Cracking or chipping a tooth can cause pain and bleeding, but sometimes, patients who injure a tooth won’t have symptoms.
As such, it can be difficult to tell if a cracked or chipped tooth is a true dental emergency. While some dental issues can wait for a regular appointment, others might need immediate attention.
Understanding when a cracked or chipped tooth constitutes a dental emergency can help you take the proper steps to protect your oral health.
Assessing the Severity of the Damage
The first step in determining whether your cracked or chipped tooth is a dental emergency involves assessing the severity of the damage.
A minor chip might only require cosmetic repair, while a more significant break could expose the inner layers of the tooth, which can cause pain and bleeding, requiring more immediate care [1].
How can you tell if your tooth needs emergency attention?
When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Is an Emergency
- The tooth is visibly cracked into pieces or has a substantial chunk missing, exposing the sensitive dentin or pulp [2].
- You have severe pain, heightened sensitivity to temperature, and discomfort when biting down.
If you observe these symptoms, call your dentist right away. Ignoring a significant break or crack can lead to complications such as infections, which can further damage the tooth and surrounding tissues.
When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Can Wait
A minor crack or chip may not be a dental emergency. These include cases where the chip may be just a tiny piece missing from the tooth, or a crack may not be noticeable at all. In these cases, you may experience very little or no pain.
While it’s still crucial to have these injuries evaluated by a dentist, they usually don’t require immediate attention and can wait for a regularly scheduled dental visit. However, if your injury gets worse or you experience severe pain, sensitivity, or bleeding, contact your dentist right away [3].
What to Do Next
If the crack or chip seems to be an emergency, there are steps you can take to protect your tooth while seeking professional care:
- Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to rinse the area gently, keeping it clean and reducing the risk of infection.
- Control bleeding. If there is bleeding, gently press a piece of gauze to the affected area.
- Manage pain. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, but avoid aspirin if there is bleeding, as it can exacerbate the issue.
- Protect the tooth. If possible, cover a sharp or jagged edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent injury to your tongue or cheeks.
Seeking Professional Care
After assessing the damage and managing immediate symptoms, the next step is to contact your dentist. Even minor chips and cracks can lead to complications over time, and only a dental professional can provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to ensure proper care.
Contact Your Dentist Today
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to consult with a dentist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse—get in touch with your dentist to ensure your cracked or chipped tooth receives the attention it needs. Your prompt action can make all the difference in preserving your smile and oral health!
Sources:
- https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-practice-resources/ada_covid19_dental_emergency_dds.pdf
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth
- https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
