Cracking a tooth is a dental emergency. This is because a cracked tooth could allow bacteria inside your teeth, leading to infection and other dental problems. Although a fissure in your teeth is not always visible, you can tell if you have a broken tooth with the help of symptoms. After diagnosing the damage, there are multiple treatments your dentist might suggest, depending on your tooth’s condition. Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled? In severe cases, your dentist might suggest tooth extraction for a cracked tooth.
In this blog, we’ll tell you when your dentist might suggest tooth removal. Therefore carry on reading this blog to know when your cracked tooth will be extracted.
Cracked Tooth Symptoms
If you’re not able to see it, what does a cracked tooth even feel like? You can tell a tooth is cracked or damaged if it shows the following symptoms:
Increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures
Pain upon biting down
Pain while eating or drinking
Swollen gums
Don’t waste any time seeing your dentist if you suspect you have a cracked tooth. Minor cracks might be treated with veneers, bonding, or other dental procedures. However, severe hairline cracks in teeth will need a root canal or, in some cases, extraction.
When Does a Cracked Tooth Need to Be Pulled by the Dentist?
You will need to undergo tooth extraction in some cases. This is because, in certain circumstances, your tooth is beyond saving. Here are a few signs that the cracked tooth needs to be pulled:
1. Overcrowded
There are a few instances when impacted or out-of-place. Since they’re in odd positions, the dentist might recommend moving them into open spaces. Sometimes, the tooth is too big for the dentist to shift. Moreover, overcrowded teeth don’t let other teeth erupt properly. Therefore, the dentist might suggest extracting the broken tooth.
2. Infection
The crack in your tooth could allow bacteria and food particles into the tooth, infecting it. If the decay spreads to the tooth pulp, you’ll need immediate medical attention. The dentist might opt for root canal therapy, given that the infection is still in its early stages. However, root canal therapy might not save the tooth if the infection and damage are severe. In such circumstances, your cracked tooth will need to be pulled.
3. Damage
There are different stages of tooth decay. Most of the time, your dentist can fix the issue and save your tooth. Nonetheless, the cracked tooth will need to be pulled if the decay is extensive. A damaged tooth might be severely broken or cracked, with no treatment good enough to save them. Fortunately, there are various tooth replacement options to choose from.
Preventing Cracks in Teeth
You can save your teeth from getting fractured by sticking to a few prevention tips, like:
- Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports
- Refraining from using your teeth to open packages
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects like hard candy or ice
- Being cautious when consuming caramel and similar products
What Should I Do?
Sometimes, a cracked tooth needs to be pulled if the damage is severe. Your dentist can guide you on the treatment options and why extraction is necessary. If you suspect a cracked tooth, visit Dynamic Dental Solutions at 1410 Cedar Bayou Rd, Baytown, TX 77520. You can also schedule an appointment with us at (281) 837-9090.