From the Guidelines
It's generally not ideal to wait a full week to see a dentist for a cracked tooth, especially if you're experiencing pain, sensitivity, or sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheeks. You should try to be seen within 24-48 hours if possible. While waiting for your appointment, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) following package directions. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and stay away from very hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages that might trigger pain. You can use dental wax from a pharmacy to cover any sharp edges temporarily. Rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily to help keep the area clean.
The urgency stems from the fact that cracks can worsen over time, potentially exposing the inner pulp to bacteria which could lead to infection or abscess, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1. Additionally, what seems like a minor crack could actually be more severe, potentially requiring root canal treatment or even extraction if left untreated for too long. According to 1, if the fracture of the permanent tooth is contained within the enamel layer only, then the tooth fracture area can be smoothed with a dental handpiece and polishing bur or left untreated if the fracture site is smooth to touch, but this does not necessarily apply to all types of cracks.
It's also important to consider the type of fracture, as some may require more immediate attention than others. For instance, a crown fracture with exposed pulp, as discussed in 1, requires immediate pulp therapy to preserve pulp vitality. Given the potential risks and the importance of prompt evaluation and treatment, it is recommended to prioritize seeing a dentist sooner rather than later.
From the Research
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
- A cracked tooth is defined as an incomplete fracture of the dentine in a vital posterior tooth, and must be distinguished from a split tooth 2.
- The ideal treatment consists of applying a stainless steel band to the tooth, with cessation of symptoms confirming the diagnosis, followed by a full coverage restoration 2.
Waiting Time for Dental Consultation
- There is no specific guideline on the waiting time for a dental consultation for a cracked tooth, but it is generally recommended to seek dental attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications 3, 4.
- A study found that cracked teeth that have not received treatment for one year do not show meaningful progression as measured by increased symptoms or number of cracks during follow-up 5.
- However, this does not necessarily mean that it is fine to wait for 1 week to be seen by a dentist, as the condition can still worsen and cause more severe symptoms.
Pain Management
- In the meantime, pain management options such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be considered to alleviate symptoms 6.
- It is essential to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcome.