What to Do for a Cracked Tooth Before Treatment

What to Do for a Cracked Tooth Before Getting Treatment

Have you ever cracked a tooth and been unsure of what to do next? I’ve been there myself, and it’s not a pleasant experience. Whether it happened while eating something hard, playing sports, or due to an accidental fall, dealing with a cracked tooth can be both painful and stressful. In this article, I’m going to share with you everything I’ve learned about how to handle a cracked tooth before you get to the dentist, along with tips for managing the pain, preventing further damage, and when to seek immediate care.

1. Recognizing a Cracked Tooth: What Does It Feel Like?

Before you can figure out what to do, it’s important to know whether you truly have a cracked tooth. In my experience, cracked teeth can present in a few different ways. You may feel a sharp pain when chewing or biting down, especially on certain foods or objects. The pain can come and go, often making it tricky to pinpoint. If you notice any sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or if there’s visible damage to your tooth, it’s likely cracked. Sometimes, you might also notice swelling around the gum line or discomfort when you touch the tooth. It’s easy to mistake a cracked tooth for other dental issues like cavities, but if you experience pain that isn’t typical for you, it’s time to take action.

2. What to Do Immediately After Cracking a Tooth

The first thing I did when I cracked a tooth was to panic—definitely not the best response! However, it’s important to stay calm and take immediate steps to minimize damage. Here’s what I learned about what to do immediately:

Rinse with Warm Water: If you’ve cracked your tooth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. This helps remove any debris and reduces the risk of infection.
Apply a Cold Compress: If you’re experiencing pain or swelling, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Be careful not to apply ice directly to the tooth.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If the pain is unbearable, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. I always make sure to follow the recommended dosage.
Avoid Eating Hard or Hot Foods: Eating something hard can worsen the crack, and hot or cold foods might trigger more sensitivity. I recommend sticking to soft foods and avoiding anything that could cause more stress to the tooth.
Cover the Tooth (if needed): If the crack has caused a sharp edge that could injure your tongue or cheek, you can cover it temporarily with dental wax or even sugar-free chewing gum until you get to a dentist.

3. Preventing Further Damage

Once the initial shock has worn off, it’s crucial to prevent further damage to the cracked tooth. While waiting for your dental appointment, follow these steps:

Stay Away from Chewy or Sticky Foods: Even though a cracked tooth might seem minor at first, putting unnecessary pressure on it can worsen the crack. Stick to softer foods and avoid anything sticky that could pull at the crack.
Avoid Using the Affected Tooth for Chewing: I learned the hard way that chewing with the cracked tooth only worsens the pain. Whenever I had to eat, I made sure to chew on the opposite side of my mouth to give the cracked tooth a break.
Protect the Tooth at Night: If you grind your teeth at night (a habit known as bruxism), a cracked tooth can worsen. I recommend using a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep. You can easily get one from a pharmacy or ask your dentist to custom-make one for you.

4. When Should You See a Dentist?

There’s no need to wait long before seeing a dentist for a cracked tooth. In fact, the sooner you get treated, the better your chances of saving the tooth and avoiding further complications. If you’re experiencing severe pain, visible tooth fragments, or significant swelling, these are signs that you need to see a dentist immediately. For less urgent cases, it’s still essential to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent infection or other dental problems down the line.

During my own experience with a cracked tooth, I found that getting to the dentist within 24 hours was ideal. They can assess the damage, take an X-ray if necessary, and determine the best course of action. You may need a crown, root canal, or even a filling, depending on how severe the crack is. Waiting too long can lead to further complications, such as infection or tooth loss.

5. What to Expect at the Dentist

When I finally got to the dentist, I was relieved to know that a cracked tooth could often be repaired, depending on the severity. Here’s what typically happens:

Examination and X-rays: The dentist will likely take an X-ray to determine the extent of the crack and see if there is any damage to the root of the tooth.
Discussion of Treatment Options: Depending on how serious the crack is, the dentist may recommend one of several treatments. For minor cracks, a filling or bonding may be enough. For larger cracks, a crown or root canal might be necessary.
Repairing the Tooth: Once the treatment plan is determined, the dentist will repair the tooth. This may involve placing a crown to protect the tooth, performing a root canal to treat any infection, or bonding the crack with a composite resin material.

6. How to Care for a Cracked Tooth Post-Treatment

After the treatment, it’s essential to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. I made sure to avoid hard foods for a few days, took prescribed pain medications as needed, and attended follow-up appointments to ensure that the tooth was healing properly. If you’re given a temporary filling or crown, be sure to follow the care instructions provided by your dentist.

In some cases, a cracked tooth might require ongoing care to prevent future problems, especially if the crack was deep. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that the tooth remains in good condition and avoid any surprises.