Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

If you knock out a tooth or notice a large abscess on your gums, then you know that you have a dental emergency that needs to be treated as soon as possible. However, if you crack a tooth, then it may be hard for you to figure out if the problem is an emergency or if you can wait a few days to see your regular dentist. There are a few things that indicate an emergency situation. Keep reading to learn about the signs so you can seek out appropriate emergency care. 

The Crack Is Close to the Gum Line

If you notice a vertical crack in your tooth, then you should look for the edge of the crack and where it sits in relation to your gums. If the crack is a millimeter or less from your gum line, or if you have seen the crack spread quickly towards the gums, then it is time to make and emergency dental appointment. 

Certain vertical cracks can be repaired. While the depth of the crack is important in coming up with a treatment plan, the length of the crack is used to figure out if the tooth can be saved or not. If the tooth crack extends below the gums, then the tooth is too weak to repair. It is likely to crack in half and removal is scheduled before this can happen. However, if you catch the crack in time, then your tooth can typically be saved with the help of a crown. Root canal treatment will often need to be completed as well, especially if the crack is a deep one.

Your Tooth Is in a Lot of Pain

Vertical, horizontal, and angled cusp cracks can all be deep enough to reach the pulp chamber. The crack can allow bacteria to filter into the tooth. Also, the crack can damage the pulp, especially if an accident caused the crack to develop. When pulp is infected or damaged, then the tooth will be painful. If the pain is ignored, then pain can worsen substantially. The tooth will also swell and pus may release and spread to the gum tissues. 

Basically, if you ignore a cracked tooth that is painful, then pain will quickly worsen and leave you with an unbearable dental condition. It is a much better solution to seek care when pain first develops. X-rays can then be taken and an emergency root canal can be completed.

If a root canal is not needed for some reason, then your dentist can provide you with anesthetic gels to numb the tooth and pain relievers can be suggested or prescribed. 

To learn more or to receive treatment, contact resources like Bradley T Piotrowski DDS MSD LLC.