Question from Our Readers: Cracked Tooth

Reader Question: I accidentally bit down on something hard, and now my tooth is cracked. What should I do to fix it and prevent further damage?

The first thing to do is take a deep breath and relax. It’s easy to panic in these situations, but it’s important to remain calm and assess the situation properly.

Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the cracked tooth. This helps remove any debris that might cause irritation. If the tooth is sensitive or painful, you can use a cold compress to help numb the area.

If you can find the broken piece of tooth, save it and bring it to your dental appointment. It might be possible to reattach the tooth depending on the type of crack and the extent of the damage.

Most importantly, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to assess the extent of the damage and treat it accordingly.

How can you keep from damaging your tooth further?

While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, avoid chewing on the side of the affected tooth to prevent further damage. Also, avoid eating hard candy or biting down on ice. If you grind your teeth at night, I suggest wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth. 

You can also try to protect the area by covering any sharp edges with orthodontic wax or temporary repair kits. Lastly, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and discomfort until you see the dentist. 

What are your treatment options for cracked teeth?

Depending on the severity of the crack, your dentist might suggest: 

• Dental bonding
• Dental crown
• Veneers
• Inlays and onlays

If the damage is deep and exposes the nerves, your dentist may recommend a root canal. On the other hand, if the damage is too severe and extends below the gumline, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.