Biting down and hearing a loud crack is not something you ignore. Whether you were chewing ice, snacking on nuts, or biting into something you’ve eaten a hundred times before, a cracked tooth is never normal. The pain can sting you in no time, or you might experience it as time passes by. Either way, it’s your body’s way of informing you that something is wrong.
Getting rid of pain is possible, but neglecting it can lead to far more serious concerns down the road. Cracked teeth expose the sensitive inner portions of the tooth, like the dentin and pulp. This can lead to bacterial infections, nerve damage, and even tooth loss in severe cases.
So how do you know if it’s bad enough to call an emergency dentist in Newton? Let’s examine it.
What a Cracked Tooth Means for Your Oral Health
Teeth are remarkably strong-they are meant to last a lifetime. But they are not indestructible. A crack, no matter how small it looks, weakens the tooth structure. That makes every bite you take since then potentially worsen the situation.
The following are common reasons behind a cracked tooth
- Biting hard foods (like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy)
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (often at night)
- Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
- Abrupt mouth temperature fluctuations
- Aging enamel, especially in adults over the age of 50
Some cracks are shallow, while others are deep. Without a proper dental checkup, there is no way of telling how far the damage goes.
Signs That Require an Emergency Dentist Visit
Not every cracked tooth hurts right away, so most people delay treatment. But just because you don’t experience any pain, it doesn’t get you off the hook.
Call an emergency dentist in Newton if you experience any of the following:
- Extreme sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets
- Swelling around the gum line of the cracked tooth
- Visible crack or chip in the tooth
- Pain that comes and goes for no reason
Pain is your body’s early warning system. If your tooth hurts when you’re chewing but then dies down afterwards, that is still a sign the crack is affecting the tooth. Cracks can also get worse over time, turning an inexpensive issue into a serious infection.
Why Does How Soon You Act Count With Cracked Teeth?
The sooner you see a dentist, the better the outcome. Teeth do not heal on their own — especially if they are cracked. Delaying treatment can allow bacteria to reach the pulp and cause inflammation or a tooth abscess. In those cases, you may need a root canal or even tooth extraction.
A dentist in Newton can determine whether the crack is small and can be repaired with a crown or whether additional treatment is needed. Getting the problem taken care of early saves your tooth and avoids complications.
What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do Right Away
If your tooth cracks when you are eating:
- Stop chewing immediately to avoid breakage.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food particles.
- Use a cold compress if swelling is present.
- Avoid hot or cold beverages until you’ve seen a dentist.
- Call a Newton emergency dentist for evaluation and next steps.
Don’t put aspirin on your gums or wait for your next regular dental visit. Cracks often spread unnoticed. What is small today can be tomorrow’s costly emergency.
Treatment Options You Can Expect
When you visit a dental office, treatment depends on how severe the crack is. Some common procedures to improve your situation include:
- Crowns to strengthen and restore function
- Root canal therapy if the pulp is damaged
- Tooth extraction for severe or irreparable instances
The objective is always to save your natural tooth if possible. With current technology and early intervention, most cracked teeth are savable.
Don’t Wait for Pain to Get Worse
Your smile is not worth guessing. If you’ve cracked a tooth while eating, give us a call before it becomes a severe issue. At Newton Dental Studio, we offer prompt treatment for dental emergencies and your comfort every step of the way. If you’re in pain, feeling sensitivity, or noticing a visible crack, schedule an appointment with a local emergency dentist today.
