The tooth consists of three layers, the outermost is the enamel, beneath this is the cementum and the innermost layer is the dentin. The outermost layer, also called the enamel, is considered to be one of the hardest structures in the human body. However, they can still break or crack due to hard blows to the face or injuries directly to the teeth. Emergencies may occur at home or in the playground and this may cause a large amount of damage to the tooth.
Cusp fractures may also induce pain and pose discomfort in normal chewing. Your dentist will generally apply a filling to reshape the tooth structure. If needed, a crown may be placed on the tooth to make it stronger. Vertical tooth fractures are also common where the tooth splits into two. The molars usually have more than one crown. It is, therefore, possible to retain one part of the crown. Another reason for tooth fracture may be decay. Decay may eat away a considerable amount of the tooth structure and the remaining portion becomes vulnerable to cracks and fractures.
These damages may vary from small chips to the tooth structure to big fractures that may eventually result in loss of healthy tooth. This includes cracks that may appear on the tooth surface that are also called craze lines. On the other hand, minor chips may be repaired with the help of a dental filling. Most chips are usually damaged due to the enamel of the tooth structure getting knocked off. These are minor injuries; however the breakage may be so severe that the inner dentin is exposed. These cracks may make the teeth sensitive to heat and cold. However, the most dangerous breaks are when the pulp of the tooth is damaged. The pulp consists of nerve endings on which determine the health of that particular tooth. When the pulp is damaged, it might lead to severe pain and discomfort and eventual tooth loss.
When minor tooth fractures occur, they might not hurt so much; however, major cracks in the tooth structure need immediate attention from a dentist. When a chipped tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold food or liquids, it means that the crack is severe. Before visiting the dentist, you may take a painkiller. Some dentists state that aspirin thins the body’s blood supply causing more bleeding and therefore should be avoided. Your mouth should be properly cleaned with warm water and if you have the pieces of the teeth that were broken, they should also be preserved. Your dentist might just be able to cement back the broken parts to the tooth structure if possible.
If the area from which the tooth has come off bleeds profusely, you may press down on the open wound with clean gauze for at least 10 minutes. Often a cold compress on the area reduces swelling and also releases the pain. If, for any reason, you are not able to visit your dentist immediately, you may also get temporary cementing done on the tooth that is available at most drug stores.
Please contact 911 if you are having any kind of emergency. If you are suffering from severe dental pain, bleeding or fever please contact a dentist immediately for assistance. Click here to find a dentist in your area. Enter your ZIP code below to find a money-saving discount dental plan available near you.
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