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Life can be quite stressful, and many of us have a variety of coping mechanisms. One common tension reliever is damaging our oral health in the form of teeth grinding and/or clenching. Its medical name is bruxism. Some people grind and clench while they’re awake, some while they’re asleep, and others while both awake and asleep. The ramifications of bruxism include cracks, chips and stress fractures.
John L. Peterman, DMD provides our patients with the ultimate in dental care. A cracked tooth can frequently be saved with our state-of-the-art knowledge and technology. We perform treatments with the utmost precision and gentle touch.
The symptoms of a cracked tooth vary. The most apparent are random intense pain while chewing and intense discomfort when the tooth is subjected to cold and hot beverages and food. And though the pain can be random, it’s crucial to get treatment immediately to keep it from degrading further.
The majority of chipped teeth can be restored by reattaching the piece that broke off by filling in the empty spot with tooth-colored bonding material or by cementing a crown (cap) on the tooth. And as with any cracked tooth, it’s crucial to get treatment immediately.
Some people believe that a cracked or chipped tooth can be treated by a hospital emergency room or urgent care clinic. On the contrary, it’s best to see a dentist right away. The same goes for anyone experiencing symptoms of a dental infection, such as bleeding and/or swelling.
A tooth can also develop a crack through an injury or normal wear and tear. While there’s no way to ensure that a tooth will never crack, you can make the event less likely by not chewing on things such as hard candy, ice, pencils and popcorn. It’s also crucial to wear a mouth guard while playing sports and, if you’re a grinder, while you sleep.
At the office of John L. Peterman, DMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate dental care to children and adults. For more information about our office and types of services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
By John L. Peterman, DMD
September 28, 2023
