A cracked tooth is not necessarily a big deal initially. You might not even know it. But if you leave it alone, it can develop into more issues down the line. Too many people wait until it’s too late, thinking that the problem will resolve on its own. It won’t.
Suppose you are a resident of Alberta and looking for a Grande Prairie dentist, in that case, it is necessary to take action early before a tiny crack develops into a big dental problem.
What Happens When a Tooth Cracks?
Teeth can fracture in numerous ways. You may bite onto something hard, receive a face blow, or grind your teeth during sleep. Irrespective of the cause, a crack weakens your tooth and makes it more susceptible to further damage.
They might be small and just hit the outside layer. Others may penetrate deeper into the nerves or roots of the tooth. When that occurs, it’s more difficult to repair and painful to treat.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Although the tooth might not hurt initially, the crack can still do damage behind the scenes. The effects of untreated cracked tooth may appear slowly and may include:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Swollen tissues near the problem area
- Tooth decay due to bacteria that get trapped
- Damage to a nerve or loss of a tooth
If the crack is deep enough, it can extend to infections and spread outside the tooth itself.
The Risk of Infection
One of the biggest worries is a cracked tooth infection. When bacteria penetrate the crack, they can move deep into the tooth and reach the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are located. Once an infection occurs, it can spread to other areas of your mouth or even your jaw.
Symptoms of infection are:
- Persistent toothache
- Gum or face swelling
- Bad taste or breath
- Fever in extreme cases
Infections of a cracked tooth can become abscesses, which are painful pockets of pus. These do not resolve by themselves and require treatment immediately.
Can a Cracked Tooth Lead to Serious Health Issues?
Yes, neglecting a crack for too long can have consequences outside of your mouth. A cracked tooth cause serious health problems when bacteria from the infection are carried into the bloodstream. This can result in more significant health issues such as:
- Sinus issues
- Bone loss surrounding the tooth
- Compromised immune system
- In some cases, severe conditions like sepsis
Your body and mouth are linked. So even a tiny crack left unattended can develop larger issues in the future.
How to Avoid Long-Term Damage
It’s always simpler to repair a tooth if the issue is diagnosed early. To prevent long-term damage from a cracked tooth, consider the following:
- Don’t put off a dental appointment – Save your tooth with early treatment
- Chew with care – Steer clear of biting into hard foods such as ice or candy
- Wear a mouthguard – If you clench your jaw or participate in sports
- Practice good hygiene – Brush, floss, and rinse to prevent bacteria
- Monitor for changes – Any sensitivity, swelling, or pain should be evaluated
These habits will prevent cracks from worsening and safeguard your smile in the long term.
Treatment for Cracked Teeth
If the crack is caught early, there are several ways it can be repaired. The type of treatment is based on the depth of the crack and the amount of damage that has occurred.
Some of the most common options for cracked tooth treatment in Grande Prairie:
- Dental bonding – Ideal for minor surface cracks
- Dental crowns – Employed to cover and support larger cracks
- Root canal – Required if the pulp of the tooth is infected
- Tooth extraction – Employed when the tooth is too damaged to be saved
Your dentist will inspect the tooth and suggest the best option for your case.
How to Know If Your Tooth Is Cracked
The cracks are visible for some, but not for others. Not every cracked tooth aches immediately. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize signs in the early stages, like:
- Sudden sharp pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Intermittent pain
- Swollen gums around one tooth
These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate that a crack exists, but they do indicate something needs to be looked at. Regular check-ups can catch small issues before they become large ones.
When to Visit a Dental Specialist
Don’t wait until the pain is excruciating. The sooner you seek assistance, the greater the possibility of saving the tooth. Even if you’re not sure, it’s always better to have a check-up.
At times, small cracks do not require immediate treatment, but they must be watched. A dentist will monitor it and act upon it if it gets worse.
Speak with a Grande Prairie Dentist Today
Neglecting a cracked tooth can cause pain, infection, and severe health threats. If you have had signs or suspect that you have a crack, now is the time to take action. Regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and prompt care make a significant difference in safeguarding your teeth.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Grande Prairie who can help with cracked tooth care, Swanavon Dental Clinic supports your dental needs with clear guidance and comfortable care.
Don’t Wait—Book Your Visit Today
A broken tooth isn’t going to repair itself. With proper treatment and guidance, you can prevent minor issues from developing into painful ones. Contact Swanavon Dental Clinic today to begin. Your smile and well-being are important—let us assist you in preserving both.
