From the Research
You should see a dentist as soon as possible for a cracked tooth, ideally within 24-48 hours, even if the tooth isn't loose. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which emphasizes the importance of prompt treatment to prevent further complications 1. While waiting for your appointment, it is recommended to:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily to keep the area clean
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed on the packaging to manage pain and reduce inflammation
- Avoid chewing on the affected side, and stay away from very hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods that could worsen pain or further damage the tooth
- Cover sharp edges temporarily with dental wax from a drugstore if they are irritating your tongue or cheek
Prompt treatment is crucial because even small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, potentially leading to infection of the dental pulp (which contains nerves and blood vessels), resulting in more severe pain and possibly requiring more extensive treatment like a root canal 2. The dentist will evaluate the extent of the crack and recommend appropriate treatment, which might range from bonding or a filling for minor cracks to a crown or even root canal therapy for more serious fractures. Recent data suggests that cracked teeth with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis have exhibited high pulp and tooth survival rates by the provision of direct or indirect composite restorations, and monitoring may be favored in the absence of symptoms or compromised tooth structure 1.