Cracked Tooth

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Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can be subtle, something your dentist recognizes during a routine dental checkup. Other cracked teeth are obvious and indicate that you have a serious oral health problem that needs attention right away. Whatever the circumstances, a cracked tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention from your Ladson, SC, dentist at Ingleside Family Dental.

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cracked tooth causes

Potential Causes Of A Cracked Tooth

Tooth enamel is super strong and durable, but it can break under the wrong kind of pressure. In most cases, you know the exact moment the problem occurs, and in other cases the crack may develop gradually. Either way, you have a problem.

Some of the most common causes of a cracked tooth are:

  • Biting down wrong on a hard food
  • Chronic teeth grinding
  • Deteriorating dental work
  • Taking a hit to the mouth
  • Using your teeth to open something

All Cracked Teeth Are A Dental Emergency

Hairline cracks can develop on the outer tooth enamel, but they can also start within the depths of a tooth. If your dentist doesn’t find the problem first at a checkup, you certainly will when you experience sharp pain while eating or find yourself with a throbbing toothache. In the latter, the problem is often because bacteria infiltrated the tooth and caused an infection.

When you arrive for a dental emergency appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and deliver a diagnosis so the problem can be addressed as quickly as possible. It’s important to determine how deep the problem goes so the right repair can follow, including solutions like:

  • Cosmetic tooth bonding: A small surface crack on a tooth can be filled with cosmetic tooth bonding which protects the tooth from deterioration or invasion.
  • Dental crown: A large crack needs a large repair, and a dental crown covers the entire tooth. The crown is customized to blend in with the rest of your teeth to look natural.
  • Root canal therapy: Tooth pain is a sign that a cracked tooth has become infected. To stop this pain, the infected pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and filled to deliver relief. Then the tooth is capped with a dental crown.
  • Tooth extraction: In the very worst case, when a tooth is so deeply damaged inside or outside that it cannot be repaired with a dental restoration, tooth extraction may be necessary. This is always your dentist’s last choice.
cracked tooth emergency
cracked tooth mouthguard

Ways To Prevent A Cracked Tooth

Sometimes, a cracked tooth just happens. The enamel may be weak or there is an area that is hit the wrong way at the wrong time. In most cases, though, cracked teeth can be avoided if you prioritize your oral health:

  • See your dentist every six months: Never miss a dental checkup and cleaning. A cracked tooth can be diagnosed early before it has any chance to cause problems.
  • Get a customized mouthguard: If you grind your teeth every night, your chances of cracked teeth go up tremendously. A mouthguard offers protection from cracks and other uncomfortable side effects of teeth grinding like headaches and pain.
  • Be careful about what you eat: Some foods seem like they’re designed to break teeth, so make good choices before you bite down on a piece of ice or hard candy.
  • Don’t use your teeth as a tool: Scissors and knives are intended for opening packages, not teeth. You can crack a tooth in a heartbeat if you bite down on something that isn’t food.

Get Emergency Dental Care For A Cracked Tooth From Your Ladson Dentist

If you have a cracked tooth, take it seriously. Contact Ingleside Family Dental in Ladson, SC right away and find out if you need an emergency dental visit.

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Matthew M.
All very professional and have a good sense of humor. The staff creates a welcoming environment. Highly recommend Dr. Matthews and staff for your dental needs.
Kimberly J.
I had synthetic bone placed in an old extracted tooth. I didn’t feel anything which is great compared to my last dentist in TX. Very professional and nice folks out here in SC.
Scott M.
Great experience. I loved the way they helped me out today. Great doctor
DeMontait G.
This is a wonderful place with wonderful prices. I was in need of a dentist very desperately. They were able to get me in and cleaned in a timely manner so that I could get my retainers put on at my orthodontist. The Dr is great, and the dental hygienist was amazing!
Alexander W.
Service was great. Staff very friendly and helpful. Definitely will recommend
Michael S.
I was scheduled for a filling procedure. Mrs M Matthew was off the chain! Very skillful quick, gentle, and caring in her profession. The whole staff is pleasant to visit. I recommend them to anybody who is looking for dental care. I was very pleased with my visit. "Sorry for the overkill" but that was my experience!
Esmeralda C.
Great Dental Visit
Thanks To Ingleside Family Dental
enzoesophia O.
Minha experiência até agora está sendo incrível. O Diego é muito atencioso e a Dra que me atendeu também.
Chris D.
I went there on the same day I broke my tooth and they repaired it so I didn't have to go into work with the broken tooth. The dentist is extremely nice and helpful. I'm actually switching dentists to them because it was so easy.
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