Jeff R. Call, DMD, FAGD, FICOI Dix C. Densley, DDS, FAGD, FICOI |
Join us in welcoming Dr. Thorn Simnitt! |
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Posted on 2/17/2016 by Dr. Call |
Do you have a habit of biting on ice or grinding your teeth at night? If so, you may eventually end up with a cracked tooth. The molars are especially vulnerable to cracking since they will absorb a majority of the force when you chew. In some cases, a cracked molar can be extremely painful, while in other situations, there might not be any noticeable symptoms. Either way, if you suspect that you have cracked a molar, it is important to seek out dental treatment right away. Getting By Until Your AppointmentWhile it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible, this might sometimes mean that you need to wait a few days before you can be seen. Until then, you will be responsible for caring for your tooth on your own. To avoid pain, try not to chew on the side of your mouth that ha the cracked tooth, and avoid hot or cold liquids. By avoiding chewing and biting on that side of the mouth, you could prevent further damage to the tooth, including irritation of the inner tissues that contain blood vessels and nerves. Treating a Cracked MolarIf the crack in your molar cuts through more than just the enamel, you'll need to treat the problem to prevent a deeper fracture or an infection. In some cases, your dentist may just be able to fill in the crack and top it off with a crack to prevent further dame. If the soft tissue found inside of the tooth has been affected, a root canal might be needed to remove the damage. The last option - and the one that should be avoided at all costs - is removal of the tooth, but this should only be done when there is no way to save the tooth due to extensive damage. If you believe that you may have cracked a molar, be sure to contact our dental office right away for an appointment. |
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Century Dental
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