A fractured tooth can be scary, but it’s good to know what to look out for if it ever happens to you. In this article, we will discuss fractured tooth symptoms and help you understand how to tell if your tooth is cracked or broken. Knowing what to do when your tooth hurts isn’t whether you’re a kid or a grown-up.
What Happens When You Have a Fractured Tooth?
A fractured tooth happens when your tooth gets a crack or break. This can happen because of many things, like biting on something hard or having an accident. Sometimes, teeth get fractured from playing sports or even eating certain foods. When fractured, your tooth can hurt; sometimes, it’s hard to chew or talk. If you notice any of these fractured tooth symptoms, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential.
A fractured tooth might not always hurt, but there are sure signs you can look out for. If you feel pain when you chew or bite down on something, it might be because your tooth is cracked. You could also feel pain when you drink something hot or cold. This happens because the crack in the tooth lets things reach the soft part inside, which can cause discomfort. A dentist should check These apparent fractured tooth symptoms to avoid further damage.
Pain That Comes and Goes: Fractured Tooth Symptoms
Periodic pain is one of the most typical signs of a broken tooth. Eating can cause pain at times and feel OK at others. The fractured tooth symptoms may become more noticeable when you bite down, exacerbating the discomfort, which may subside when you stop biting.
Even if the pain is dull or acute, you shouldn’t ignore it. If the pain continues to recur, consult a dentist. They can help you determine what’s happening and how to resolve it.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you feel a sudden, sharp pain when you eat or drink something cold or hot, it might be because your tooth is fractured. A cracked tooth can make your tooth sensitive to temperature changes, which can be very uncomfortable. Sometimes, even breathing in cold air can cause a sharp pain.
This sensitivity happens because the crack allows the cold or hot stuff to reach the nerve inside your tooth. If you notice this happening, it’s a good idea to let an adult know and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Visible Cracks or Chips
Sometimes, a tooth fracture is evident to the unaided eye. Looking closely in the mirror, you may see a tiny chip or crack in your teeth. To ensure everything is in order, visiting the dentist if you notice a missing crack or portion of the tooth is a good idea.
Sometimes, the fracture might be too small to see, but it can still cause pain or sensitivity. Even if you don’t see the crack, you should consider how your tooth feels.
Swelling and Redness Around the Tooth
Another sign of a fractured tooth is swelling or redness around it. If you notice your gums getting swollen or irritated near a tooth, it could be a sign that the fracture is deep enough to cause infection or irritation. This is especially true if you’re feeling pain or discomfort along with the swelling.
Swelling can also happen if bacteria enter the crack, causing an infection. This is why it’s essential to see a dentist right away. They can clean the area and help you feel better.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Sometimes, a fractured tooth can make it hard to chew your food. If you’re having trouble biting into your favourite foods or if chewing hurts, it could be because of a fracture. This happens because the crack in your tooth affects how your tooth presses against food when you chew. The crack might open up more when you bite down, causing pain.
If you notice it’s hard to chew or have trouble biting into foods, it’s time to see your dentist. They can fix the fracture so you can eat without any pain.
Tooth Discoloration
If your tooth has a fracture, it looks slightly different from the rest of your teeth. Sometimes, a cracked tooth can turn a different colour, like darker or greyish. This happens because the crack lets bacteria into the tooth, which can cause it to change colour over time.
Tooth discolouration is another sign of a more profound problem with your tooth. If you notice this, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible to have it checked out.
What To Do If You Think Your Tooth Is Fractured
If you think you have a fractured tooth, you should first tell a grown-up. It’s important to let someone know so they can help you get the care you need. It would help if you tried not to chew or bite down on the side of your mouth where the tooth hurts. This can help keep the crack from getting worse.
A dentist can examine the crack and determine the necessary course of action. While a more serious fracture may require a crown or root canal, a minor one can occasionally be repaired with a filling. To help you feel better, the dentist will know what to do.
The Significance of Treating Your Broken Tooth
It’s critical to seek treatment for a broken tooth because failure to do so may make the issue worse. The tooth may become infected and cause more discomfort, or a little crack may become more noticeable. The tooth may be more challenging to repair the longer you wait.
When you notice any fractured tooth symptoms, visiting the dentist’s always a good idea. That way, they can take care of the problem early on and help you avoid any future pain or issues with your tooth.
Can a Fractured Tooth Heal on Its Own?
The ability of a fractured tooth to heal itself may be questioned. Unfortunately, teeth do not heal like other body parts do. To get a cracked tooth fixed, you must see a dentist. If you wait too long, the fracture might get worse or sustain additional damage, which could lead to more serious symptoms, including infection or pain.
Even though a fractured tooth can’t heal on its own, the good news is that dentists have many ways to fix fractured teeth. Whether with a filling, crown, or another treatment, they can help your tooth feel better and prevent further damage. If you experience fractured tooth symptoms, seeking professional dental care is the best way to restore your tooth and avoid long-term issues.
How a Dentist Fixes a Fractured Tooth
When you visit the dentist with a broken tooth, they will examine it closely. They may then conduct an X-ray to determine the extent of the break and whether any internal tooth damage could result in more serious broken tooth symptoms. Based on the size of the fracture, the dentist will suggest the best course of action.
The dentist might use a filling to fix a small crack. For larger cracks, a crown may be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage and alleviate fractured tooth symptoms like pain or sensitivity.
In some cases, if the fracture is deep enough to reach the nerve, the dentist might need to perform a root canal to remove the infection and treat the fractured tooth symptoms effectively. Whatever the treatment, your dentist will ensure you are comfortable and help restore your tooth to its health.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth After Treatment
To keep your fractured tooth healthy after your dentist has fixed it, you must take proper care of it. Floss frequently, brush your teeth twice daily, and schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Wear a mouthguard if you participate in sports to prevent further dental injuries.
Caring for your teeth can help prevent fractures and keep your smile healthy for years.
How to Prevent a Fractured Tooth
Preventing a fractured tooth is always better than treating one. One of the best ways to avoid cracked teeth is by being careful when eating. Avoid biting on complex objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or candies, as they can lead to cracks or chips. If you notice any fractured tooth symptoms, such as sudden pain while chewing, changing habits that might cause unnecessary pressure on your teeth is essential.
Another effective way to prevent fractured tooth symptoms is wearing a mouthguard during sports. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from impact and sudden blows that might cause a fracture. If your teeth are vulnerable to cracks, your dentist may also suggest dental sealants to help protect them. Regular dental checkups are also essential, as a dentist can detect early signs of fractures before they become painful.
How to Handle a Broken Tooth
If you break or fracture a tooth, you might notice fractured tooth symptoms like pain, discomfort, or even temperature sensitivity. The first step is to gather any broken pieces of the tooth, as the dentist may be able to restore it. If the tooth is severely damaged, you must visit your dentist immediately to avoid further complications that could worsen the symptoms of a fractured tooth.
In the interim, a co can relieve pain in a cracked tooth’s afflicted area. This may offer short-term respite and aid in oedema reduction. Until you visit your dentist, refrain from chewing on the damaged tooth. Taking quick action will help stop the break from deepening, which could eventually result in more serious symptoms of a cracked tooth.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing fractured tooth symptoms. Even if you don’t feel pain, a dentist can spot early signs of cracks or wear on your teeth that could lead to fractures. If a fracture is caught early, it can be treated before it worsens, saving you from potential discomfort or more extensive dental work.
During these checkups, your dentist will examine your teeth for any fractured tooth symptoms, such as visible cracks, chips, or signs of weakening enamel. Early detection and treatment can help you avoid painful fractures. The dentist may also apply fluoride or sealants to strengthen teeth, preventing future fractures and reducing the risk of fractured tooth symptoms.
Understanding the Different Types of Tooth Fractures
Understanding the different types of fractured tooth symptoms is key to knowing what kind of treatment you need. A craze line is a minor crack that doesn’t cause pain and typically doesn’t require treatment, but it can lead to sensitivity if not monitored. Other fractures, like vertical or horizontal cracks, can expose the nerve, causing significant discomfort and requiring urgent treatment to relieve the fractured tooth symptoms.
The more severe the fractured tooth symptoms, the more complicated the treatment. A large crack might require a root canal, while a more minor fracture may only need a filling or crown. By recognizing the type of fracture early, you and your dentist can take action to prevent further damage and ensure the proper treatment for your fractured tooth symptoms.
Conclusion
The first step to feeling better after a tooth fracture is understanding the symptoms and what to do about them. You must notify an adult and go to the dentist if you experience pain, sensitivity, swelling, or difficulty chewing. These are typical signs of a broken tooth that must not be disregarded. Your tooth will do better if you seek care as soon as possible.
Your dentist can help you fix the problem and keep your teeth healthy. Remember, getting help sooner rather than later is always better to avoid worsening fractured tooth symptoms. Addressing the issue early can prevent severe damage and ensure your tooth heals appropriately.
