COVID-19 & Cracked Teeth

A crack in a tooth is when the tooth is fractured, sometimes down the length of the tooth. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including biting down on something hard or already weakened due to decay. It’s possible that a crack can be symptomless and therefore go unnoticed until it becomes painful. When this happens, it’s best to have a dentist examine the tooth and treat it before it breaks all the way and requires a root canal or an extraction. It’s also important to remember that if a cracked tooth is left without treatment, an abscess can form, which can be life-threatening if left untreated for too long. Therefore, if you are suffering from a cracked tooth, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible.

Cracked Teeth and Symptoms

The damage caused by cracked teeth isn’t always obvious, especially in its early stages when symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for other issues. A crack can expose the sensitive inner layers of a tooth to temperatures and chemicals in food and beverages that wouldn’t irritate healthy tooth enamel. Over time, this can gradually wear away the tooth’s root and cause sensitivity or even pain. Cracks can also impact the appearance of your smile by causing discoloration inside the mouth. While a crack may appear small on the surface, it can spread over time to create larger problems within the affected tooth.

This can result in the need for root canal therapy to restore the health of the tooth and prevent further complications. A dental crown can also be used to stabilize and protect a tooth that’s been damaged by a large crack.

Can Crack Teeth Cause Health Problems?

A cracked tooth can make chewing difficult and affect your diet. However, there can be larger health risks associated with having a crack in your tooth. If you have a cracked tooth that is causing you pain, you should call your emergency dentist right away. In the meantime, here are some of the potential health risks of not seeking prompt care for a cracked tooth.

• Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection in the heart valves. This can cause the heart to become inflamed and lead to death.
• The bacteria in the mouth can also spread to the gums. This is dangerous because the gums are soft and not equipped to handle the bacteria from the inside of the mouth. This can lead to a painful infection called periodontitis.

These are just a few of the serious health conditions that can arise from having an infected tooth or gum disease. If you or a loved one have infected teeth, it is important to see your emergency dentist as soon as you can!

What Treatments Are Available for Cracked Teeth?

A dentist can repair minor tooth chips with a filling or bonding. For major damage, the dentist may recommend porcelain veneers for a lasting fix. Your dentist may also suggest that you get a crown for a severely damaged or broken tooth because it can protect your entire tooth from further damage.

If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth or are concerned about the health of your teeth during this difficult time, call us at (314) 832-1366 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can work with you to protect your smile from further damage. Visit us at Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109.