Tooth extraction is not always the best solution for a cracked tooth. There are other options which can save the tooth from removals like dental fillings or root canal. However, if left untreated, a cracked tooth may develop into a gum disease that can create more damaging effects. Bacterial infection may spread to your larynx, heart, or brains. So, understanding the possible causes plays a crucial role. You can prevent complications and receive the best treatment from your dentist with the help of early detection. You can learn more about the treatment and services from Our Dental Care in Drummoyne.
Possible Causes of Cracked Tooth
There are tons of possible scenarios where your tooth can be broken, chipped, or cracked. Some causes may come from sports injuries, trauma, cavity, tooth decay, or accidentally chewing on hard food. But perhaps the most susceptible piece is our molar. We use our front teeth for biting off a chunk of food, but most of the hard work falls on our molars. They play a significant part in the entire digestion process. With that being said, we now understand why they are most likely to be damaged. Here’s a comprehensive list of the possible causes of a broken molar tooth:
- Accidentally chewing bones or hard food
- Cavity from plaque and tartar accumulation
- Sports injuries
- Trying to cut stuff using the teeth
- Deteriorated or dislodged dental filling
- Tooth decay
- Excessive abscess because of infection
- Failed or poor root canal procedure
Possible Complications of Cracked Tooth
Complications vary based on the severity of the damage. Some cases are mild and can be treated simply by just brushing and cleaning your tooth, but others have more severe implications. Like all other oral problems, understanding is the key to unlocking the best solution. By identifying the source, you can inform your dentist of the signs and symptoms, and they can provide the best treatment possible. Here’s a list of the complications:
- Painful Chewing: A broken molar tooth may exhibit pain when you bite or chew food. The level of pain and discomfort can range from mild to intense. Whether your chewing soft or hard food, the pain can be felt significantly. The sensation can affect your eating habits badly, especially if it’s severe.
- Teeth Sensitivity: Aside from reducing dental enamel, a cracked tooth may also cause teeth sensitivity. This possibility caused by root exposure. Depending on the depth of the damage, you can either feel mild or severe pain. The sensation usually occurs when you consume cold or hot food and drinks and then go away within seconds.
- Intermittent Discomfort and Pain: In most cases, a cracked tooth doesn’t usually cause steady or constant pain. Unless, of course, if it has abscess or swelling. Besides experiencing pain from hot or cold food and beverages, you may sometimes experience a sudden pain that typically lasts within a few seconds. The pain and discomfort may occur without apparent reason and can happen anytime
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- Gum Inflammation: Swelling, redness, and tenderness, usually develops when a cracked tooth is exposed for long periods. The hole may have been contaminated with bacteria which can lead to infection. This condition is typical with a broken molar tooth since we use our molars almost 100% when eating. The main reason for the swelling might be an infection or abscess build-up in the tooth’s pulp.
- Teeth and Gum Infection: Given all the scenarios above, the infection could be their accumulated result. The infection causes adverse oral conditions that can cause bleeding, swelling, tenderness, bad taste, severe and constant pain, halitosis, and even a fever. It can also lead to periodontal disease where your gums are affected and cause tooth loss. This condition is considered a dental emergency.
In general, all the possible complications mentioned above are signs and symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome, better known as CTS. Whenever you encounter these sensations, it’s more likely that they are under the classification of CTS. However, keep in mind that the same symptoms mentioned can occur anytime without a cracked tooth.
Clinical Treatment
Clinical treatment is always your best option. Your dentist can provide the appropriate methods to treat CTS. Compared with self-medication or home remedies, professional diagnosis and assistance have the highest percentage of success. Here are the most common treatments that your dentist may suggest:
- Prescription painkillers
- Dental fillings
- Root canal
- Tooth extraction
The first step that your dentist will take is to try and save the tooth from extraction. It’s possible that cleaning the tooth and giving you painkillers might be enough to get the job done. However, the solution depends on the extent of the damage or the depth of the crack. Dental fillings are usually the best solution if the crack is minimal, but the root canal might be required for bigger holes. In cases where the damage or infection is beyond control, the last resort is tooth extraction. Dental implants or dentures are offered to restore their appearance.
Home Remedies for Broken Molar Tooth
Although the best option is the clinical approach, you can still try home remedies to provide immediate relief. These techniques are ideal if you can’t go to your dentist yet. Here are the best techniques:
- OTC pain-relievers
- Dental topical painkillers
- Cold compress
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Antibacterial mouthwash
- Garlic paste
- Cayenne pepper
- Chamomile tea bag
- Warm water with salt
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Peppermint tea bag
- Vanilla extract
- Clove
- Guava leaves
- Thyme
- Wheatgrass
The advantage of home remedies for a broken molar tooth is that most of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen. These methods are ideal if you broke your tooth in the evening, and you have no time to go to a dentist. These techniques can provide immediate pain relief; however, the pain may still not go away as soon as the effects wear off. Don’t be afraid to try these methods because they are relatively safe.
Final Thoughts
Despite the availability and convenience of home remedies, your best option is always your dentist. If you ever encounter signs of CTS, it would be better to set a dental appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is still your best weapon against complications from a broken molar tooth. On the other hand, you can also practice good oral hygiene to prevent bacterial plaque build-up and tartar accumulation.