A cracked or fractured tooth should motivate you to call our
Woodridge endodontics office and make an appointment as soon as possible with our specialist, Dr. Linda Ricks. Getting in right away is essential because a cracked or fractured tooth can easily become infected and if not addressed promptly, can lead to the loss of the tooth.
There are ways you can minimize any potential damage until you are treated at our
Woodridge endodontics office and there are steps that Dr. Ricks will take to effect the best possible outcome for you. Some things you can do are to use salt water as a mouth rinse and if the pain is severe, take an over the counter pain relief medication. Avoid eating as much as possible, and eat soft foods if you must. Try not to bite down on the cracked tooth. If you detect a sharp edge on the broken tooth, you can cover it using sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin. This will help you to avoid cuts on your tongue or cheek.
Woodridge Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Sometimes it is obvious when you have a cracked or fractured tooth, but other times you may not realize it right away. So be aware of the following symptoms as a sign that you are having a problem: Pain when chewing, sometimes upon releasing bite pressure is a common sign; pain caused by extreme hot or cold is another symptom. Chewing might cause the broken piece or pieces to shift and irritate the pulp in your tooth and releasing your bite can cause a sharp pain as the crack closes abruptly. Pain may initially be sporadic, but it will start to become more frequent and more intense with time. If you experience any of the above, you should call our
Woodridge endodontics office immediately.
When you arrive, Dr. Ricks will determine the severity of the damage. In some cases, she may be able to repair it right away, but other situations require multiple visits to our
Woodridge endodontics office to treat properly. The location of the tooth is another factor in how our dentist will proceed. Front teeth are often repaired by bonding, which is simple and usually not painful. Fillings are sometimes used for other teeth. And if the damage is extensive, a crown may be required. The most important thing to remember is that you call us right away when you experience a cracked or fractured tooth. Prompt care will give you the best chance to keep your tooth.
Woodridge IL Endodontist
Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC
1112 South Washington, Suite 206
Naperville, Illinois 60540
630-687-1590
By Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC
July 2, 2013
