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A cracked tooth refers to a tooth that has experienced a fracture, which can vary in size, severity, and location. While some cracks may be minor and not cause immediate harm, others can be significant and lead to further dental complications such as splitting or breaking of the tooth. Cracked teeth are a common dental issue observed across all age groups, including children and the elderly. However, they can occur in individuals of any age. If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, it is crucial to consult with a dentist as soon as possible for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
To diagnose a cracked tooth, your dentist will typically undertake the following steps:
In some instances, a dentist may decide not to repair a cracked tooth. This decision is typically made when the fracture:
The primary complication associated with a cracked tooth is the risk of infection, which can potentially spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Symptoms that may indicate a dental infection include:
In the event of an infection, your dentist may perform a procedure to drain pus from the affected area and prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria. It is crucial to follow the dentist's recommendations and complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.
In the event of an infection, your dentist may perform a procedure to drain pus from the affected area and prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria. It is crucial to follow the dentist's recommendations and complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.
While it is not possible to completely treat a cracked tooth at home, there are steps you can take to prevent one and manage the symptoms until you can see a dentist.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene: Strong teeth are less likely to crack. Practice good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing every day, and visiting a dentist every six months for preventive care.
Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: Until you can visit a dentist, refrain from chewing on hard foods like candies, ice, or nuts, which could exacerbate the crack.
Use Protective Mouth Guards: Wear a protective mouth guard during sports activities to prevent injury. Also, consider using a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
Rinse with Warm Water: Clean your mouth gently by rinsing with warm water to remove any food particles.
Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the affected area.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), may help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. However, always follow the recommended dosage and consult your dentist or doctor if you have any concerns about medication.
Prompt Dental Appointment: Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of complications.
Remember, these steps are for temporary relief and management. A dentist should evaluate any dental injury or suspected cracked tooth for appropriate treatment.
Yes, a cracked tooth can often be treated. While it's not possible to 'heal' a cracked tooth in the same way as a bone, effective treatment can save the tooth and prevent further damage or infection. It's important to address a cracked tooth promptly to reduce the risk of complications.
The duration for repairing a cracked tooth varies based on the type of treatment required and the severity of the crack. Your dentist will provide a more precise timeframe based on your specific situation. For example:
Unfortunately, dental x-rays do not always detect cracked teeth. This limitation is often because the x-ray beams need to be aligned parallel to the crack for it to be visible. In some instances, indirect signs of a crack may be apparent. For example, in the case of a vertical root fracture that has been present for an extended period, vertical bone loss adjacent to the tooth root might be detectable on an x-ray. Dentists commonly use additional methods such as bright lights, magnifying lenses, or special dyes to more accurately identify and follow the course of the crack.
Yes, in certain circumstances, a tooth with a severe crack may need to be extracted. It is vital to consult your dentist as soon as you suspect a cracked tooth. Timely intervention can increase the chances of saving the tooth, and your dentist will advise you on the best course of action based on the severity and location of the crack.
While it is not possible to completely prevent teeth from cracking, there are several effective precautions you can take to significantly reduce the risk:
It's important to maintain regular dental check-ups, as your dentist can identify and address any potential issues that might increase your risk of developing cracked teeth.
Opeing Hours | |
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Monday | 9 AM - 6 PM |
Tuesday | 9 AM - 6 PM |
Wednesday | 9 AM - 6 PM |
Thursday | 8.30 AM - 7 PM |
Friday | 9 AM - 5 PM |
Saturday | 10 AM - 2 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Have been coming to museum dental to see Dr Shakir for 4/5 years now, can’t stress enough how happy I am to have found this practice. The results of my Invisalign are perfect, and all the future treatments I’ve had with him have all been excellent and painless. If you’re in need of dental treatment please don’t bother going anywhere but Museum. Thanks to Dr Shakir and his team.
no delay in regards to being seen, clean and friendly dental practice aaa+ dental treatment. the best dental treatment i have ever recieved in my life. THANKS AND BEST REGARDS TO THE MANAGER MARGRET AND THE BOSS SHAKIR AND ALL STAFF AT MUSEUM DENTAL SUITES
+ - On.
I had Nicole as my hygienist and I must say…. BEST experience I have had at the dentist in London. She made me feel comfortable and at ease and didn’t hesitate warmly to answer all of my questions!!!
Friendly staff and great dentists.
The Museum Dental Suites team’s availability, warmth, and high-quality care in a very stressful and challenging dental emergency situation was incredible. We were in the city for a short time just days before I had to deliver a presentation at a large conference in Berlin when a crown on a live tooth came loose! Of course, this was on a Saturday evening to boot. In short, the team was able to get us in the next morning, get my crown not just comfortably but securely re-seated for the duration of the trip, literally making it possible to complete our journey safely and happily.
Museum Dental Suite is undeniably the epitome of dental excellence worldwide! Having been a loyal patient since 2017, my commitment to Fabrizio and his exceptional team remains steadfast. The service & expertise offered by the team at Museum Dental Suite truly set them apart as the premier dental center, making it an unwavering choice that I wouldn't dream of changing!