When a tooth is cracked, even if this fracture appears very minor, you risk decay, infection, and eventually, the chance of tooth loss. But we can help! In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about how we help patients in Prairie Village, KS, with a cracked tooth.
Responding to a Cracked Tooth
If you have a tooth with a fracture, we can help with treatment to avoid cavities and infection down the road, complications that could threaten smile stability! When you sustain an injury, even if no damage is visible, consider an appointment, as most fractures are essentially invisible to the naked eye. We will look closely at the tooth with digital imaging technology to assess the presence and severity of a fracture. We then plan treatment to address the issue and protect your smile.
Seeing Us for Urgent Care Dentistry
When your tooth is injured and cracked, then rinse with warm water and use cloth or gauze to control any bleeding. To keep facial swelling under control, place a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort. We recommend calling our team right away. If you reach us during our office hours, we will try to see you same-day. If we are closed, then still call and leave a message so a team member can reach out to you soon to discuss appointment times. In the meantime, try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, as the tooth will be very sensitive.
Repairing Your Fractured Tooth
A fracture is a more severe issue, and one that could lead to infection, especially if the future extends beneath the gum line. Which is why we may offer treatment with a custom dental crown. The process involves removing structure from the tooth to make room for the crown and address the decayed portion of structure. We then take images and impressions of the tooth, which we use to design and craft your custom crown. For the front-facing teeth, we may use all-porcelain. For the rear and side teeth, which ensure greater bite forces, we could discuss stronger options like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia, which can also be color-matched for a natural appearance.
If you have any questions about how we address dental emergencies, such as cracked teeth, or if you have an injured or aching tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule an Appointment for Urgent Care Dentistry with Dr. Browne, DDS
Our team wants to help repair teeth and keep your smile intact. If you need help with dental emergencies, then call Dr. Robert M Browne, DDS in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585 today.