A cracked tooth can be painful and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pain when biting down, or even earache. If you believe that you have a cracked tooth, it’s essential to seek professional dental advice right away. So how do you know if it needs to be pulled? Let’s explore the options.
The Decision To Pull or Repair
Your dentist will likely assess the severity of the crack in your tooth before making a decision about whether it should be extracted or repaired. If the crack is minor and shallow, they may opt for repairing it with composite resin or dental crowns.
On the other hand, if the crack is severe and extends into the gum line or through more than half of the tooth structure, extraction may be necessary.
When Should You Have a Broken Tooth Extracted?
Pros of Extracting a Broken Tooth
The most significant benefit of extracting a broken tooth is that it eliminates any pain that may have been associated with it. Once the tooth is removed, you will no longer experience any discomfort or sensitivity. Additionally, pulling out the affected tooth can free up space in your mouth for future dental work, such as implants or bridges if necessary. Finally, having an extraction done is usually less expensive than other treatments like root canals or crowns.
Cons of Extracting a Broken Tooth
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to having a broken tooth extracted. For one thing, there’s no guarantee that removing the tooth will solve all of your problems; if there was underlying damage to the jawbone or gums, those issues might still remain after extraction. Additionally, pulling out a broken tooth can cause long-term scarring and even bone loss if not done properly by an experienced dentist. Plus, depending on where in your mouth the broken tooth was located, removal could leave you with an unsightly gap which could require corrective surgery later on.
Choosing whether or not to have a broken tooth extracted depends on many factors and should always be discussed with your dentist.
Treatment Options
If your dentist decides you need an extraction, several ways exist to replace your missing tooth.
Depending on your needs and budget, you could opt for a bridge, partial denture, implant-supported crown, or full denture.
After assessing your oral health, your dentist will help you determine which option is best for you.
Should You Wait?
It’s important to remember that time is of the essence when dealing with a cracked tooth, as delaying treatment could result in more severe problems down the road. Further damage could occur, and bacteria from inside your mouth can enter the cracks and cause an infection. An abscessed tooth can cause much more extensive damage, so prompt treatment is always recommended.
Can a cracked tooth heal itself? Unfortunately, no. A cracked tooth cannot repair itself and must be treated by your dentist right away to prevent further damage or infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is a broken tooth extraction?
The amount of pain associated with a broken tooth extraction can vary depending on the damage’s severity and the procedure’s complexity. Your dentist will use local anesthetic to make you comfortable during the extraction process, but it is normal to experience some soreness afterwards.
Can a dentist pull a tooth broken off at the gum line?
Yes, a dentist can pull a tooth that is broken off at the gum line. However, this extraction type is more complex and will require additional treatments, such as root canal therapy or bone grafting, to ensure proper healing.
Conclusion
Having a cracked tooth can be uncomfortable and concerning but visiting your dentist right away can help ensure that any damage gets treated quickly before it worsens over time. Depending on how severe the crack is, your dentist might recommend repairing or extracting it, but either way they will provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about what’s best for your oral health. Timely treatment is essential in order to avoid any further complications, so don’t hesitate—seek professional dental help today!
