A broken or cracked tooth can happen after some kind of accident, a sports injury, or when you bite down on something really hard, maybe even a stubborn candy. Sometimes the damage brings sharp pain right away, and other times the tooth seems fine at first. It’s like it waits; for example, days later you notice sensitivity.
If you’ve damaged a tooth, contacting a dentist in Norwich as soon as you can is a good idea so the whole issue can be looked at professionally and properly, without delay.
What Causes a Tooth to Break or Crack?
Common reasons are things like biting on hard foods or maybe even sort of chewing too aggressively. There can also be sports injuries or falls, accidents in general. Sometimes tooth decay is the culprit, and yes, large fillings can contribute too, just enough stress or strain over time. People who clench or grind their teeth, especially at night, may notice this as well. And of course, trauma to the mouth, from a hit or a scrape. If a tooth has been weakened already, it becomes more likely to crack or end up breaking.
Is a Broken or Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency?
The urgency kind of depends on how far the damage goes, and also what symptoms you are having. So, get in touch with an emergency dentist in Norwich right away if you notice any of these signs:
– You have pretty severe pain.
– A large chunk of the tooth has broken off.
– There are sharp edges that keep cutting your tongue or cheek.
– The tooth feels loose or wobbly.
– You’re dealing with significant bleeding.
– This damage happened during an accident.
– You have facial swelling.
How Soon Should You See a Dentist for a Broken Tooth?
You should try to contact a dentist as soon as possible, right after you break or crack a tooth. Prompt dental assessment can help sort out how bad the damage is, and may even reduce the chance of more complications later on. If you have severe pain or noticeable swelling, or if the damage looks pretty major, you might need urgent dental care in Norwich.
What Should You Do After Breaking a Tooth?
You should:
- Rinse your mouth gently with clean water.
- Keep any broken pieces of the tooth if possible.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Contact your dentist.
- Avoid attempting to repair the tooth yourself.
What Treatment Is Available for a Broken or Cracked Tooth?
Treatment kinda depends on what kind of damage it is and how severe it feels. Your dentist might recommend dental bonding, or maybe a filling, sometimes also a dental crown. In more involved cases, they can suggest root canal treatment. There are other restorative dental treatments too, depending on the situation, and if the tooth just cant be preserved then tooth extraction may be necessary.
A dental exam is really needed so they can figure out the best option for you.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
Tooth enamel cannot regenerate after significant damage. A crack may require professional assessment to determine whether treatment is necessary.
What Happens If You Ignore a Cracked Tooth?
Without assessment, some cracks may worsen and increase the risk of:
- Pain
- Infection
- Further tooth damage
- Fracture
Seeing a dentist promptly can help determine the appropriate treatment.
Broken Tooth Treatment in Norwich
If you have a tooth that’s been cracked or broken, Pearl Dental Surgeries can sort out a professional dental assessment in Norwich.
If the damage is bringing along intense pain, or any other urgent symptoms, get in touch with the practice so you can talk about emergency dentist appointment options in Norwich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I wait if my broken tooth does not hurt?
Even without pain, a broken tooth should be assessed because some damage may not immediately cause symptoms.
Is a small crack in a tooth serious?
Some cracks may be minor, while others require treatment. A dentist can assess the severity.
Can an emergency dentist repair a broken tooth?
Depending on the damage, an emergency dentist may be able to provide treatment to stabilise or repair the tooth.