The Dangers of a c

Think a cracked tooth is just a cosmetic issue? Think again.

That crack or chip in your tooth makes it vulnerable to germs that can lead to cavities or infections that require a root canal. 

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, our skilled team, including Dr. Shiva Soleimani and Dr. Katalina Beltran, can take care of your cracked tooth right away with our emergency dental care service. We not only fix the cosmetic issue, but help prevent future problems.

Below, we share the dangers of a cracked tooth and why you need to get it fixed ASAP.

Pain and discomfort

A cracked tooth is a broken tooth. The crack may run through the tooth (fracture) or cause tiny hairline cracks in enamel (craze lines). A crack may also cause the tooth to break or chip.

No matter what type of break you have, you may experience pain and discomfort, especially when eating or drinking. The broken tooth may expose the nerve or make you more sensitive to cold or hot food and drinks. 

The pain and discomfort may drive you to the dentist.

Cavities and infections

The crack in your tooth also makes it more vulnerable to cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by bacteria. Cavities can also cause tooth pain.

If the crack travels to the root of your tooth, you may develop an infection that requires a root canal. 

You’re more likely to experience cavities and infections if you skip the dental visit to fix the crack. 

Tooth loss

Tooth loss is also a danger of a cracked tooth. Depending on the severity of the crack, tooth loss may be an unfortunate side effect of the break. We may have a better chance at saving your tooth the sooner you come in to get it fixed. 

Future jaw problems

A cracked tooth affects your bite. You may chew differently because of the pain or because of how the tooth affects the structure or positioning of your teeth. Over time, the crack in the tooth may put too much pressure on the joint of the jaw, leading to jaw pain. 

Affect appearance

Though not a danger, a cracked tooth can affect your appearance. You may avoid smiling or social events if you’re embarrassed about the crack or chip in your tooth, especially if it affects one of the front teeth. 

Don’t let your cracked tooth turn into a serious dental problem. We specialize in preventive dentistry and perform procedures to fix tooth problems and reduce risk of future issues. 

Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the location and severity of the break. If the crack is relatively minor and affects a front tooth we may place a veneer to cover and protect the tooth. For a more serious crack, we may use a dental crown to save and protect the tooth. 

If we need to pull the tooth, we can replace it with a bridge or dental implant.

A cracked tooth won’t improve with time, but it can increase your risk of developing more serious oral health problems. 

Don’t wait, call or request an appointment online at the office nearest you today. We can schedule an emergency appointment right away, provide immediate treatment, and create a long-term plan.