Cracked teeth are common dental issues that can lead to significant pain and dental problems if left untreated. Whether this injury is caused by an injury, tooth grinding, or biting down on something hard, a crack in your tooth may not always be visible, making it difficult to seek appropriate treatment. However, there are several signs you may have a cracked tooth that you should look out for if you’re experiencing dental pains and problems.

At David G. Johnson, DDS., we understand that a cracked tooth can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. But, if you can’t see the crack in your tooth, you might not realize that you need treatment until the pain becomes unbearable. If you have been dealing with dental pain and you suspect it may be caused by a crack, keep reading to learn the signs you should look out for. 

How to Prevent Cracked Teeth

While not all cracked teeth are preventable, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from developing this dental problem from occurring. Some of the easiest ways to prevent cracked teeth include: 

• Avoid Chewing Hard Items: While you may enjoy chewing on ice or snacking on hard nuts, these can be incredibly aggressive on your teeth. If you continue to chew on these for months or years on end, this may result in a cracked tooth. If you want to keep your teeth safe, it is best to stay away from ice, hard candies, nuts, and other hard objects that may cause these cracks. 
• Wear a Mouth Guard: If you play contact sports, you probably wear a lot of gear to keep your body safe. However, you may not think about the importance of wearing gear to keep your teeth safe as well. A mouth guard protects your teeth from direct impact during hits while playing contact sports, making them essential if you want to avoid developing a cracked tooth. 
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Sometimes the cracks in your teeth start out incredibly minor, making regular trips to your dentist essential. During your twice-yearly dental appointments, your dental team can catch minute cracks before they become more significant, helping you avoid substantial pain and impact on your daily activities. 

Signs You Have a Cracked Tooth

1. Sharp Pain When Biting

One of the clearest signs that you have a cracked tooth is experiencing a sharp pain when biting down. This pain may come and go, but it often occurs when the crack is being compressed by the surrounding teeth. If you notice this type of pain, it might be a good idea to reach out to a trusted endodontist for support. 

2. Temperature Sensitivity

If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, it could be due to a crack in your tooth. This sensitivity happens when the crack exposes the inner layers of your tooth, also known as the dentin, which are more sensitive to temperature changes.

3. Swollen Gums

If you weren’t dealing with this ailment before, swollen gums near the affected tooth can be a sign of a cracked tooth. The crack can irritate the surrounding gums, causing inflammation. In some cases, you might even notice a small bump on the gums, which could indicate an infection.

4. Discomfort When Chewing

Discomfort or a feeling of uneven pressure when chewing might indicate a crack in your tooth. You might also notice that certain foods, especially extremely hot or cold foods, cause more discomfort than others, depending on how the crack affects your bite.

5. Intermittent Pain 

Unlike a cavity, which often causes constant pain, a cracked tooth might only cause pain intermittently. This can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the crack. If you notice pain that comes and goes, particularly when eating, you should seek dental care.

6. Visible Cracks

Sometimes, you might be able to see the crack in your tooth, especially if it’s on a front tooth. However, many cracks are not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected by a dentist using special tools or X-rays.

What to do If You Have Cracked Teeth

If you believe you may have a cracked tooth, it is important that you act quickly to address this problem and prevent further injury. Here are some steps you should take following the crack of a tooth: 

• Schedule an Appointment with Your Endodontist: As soon as you suspect you have a cracked tooth, reach out to your endodontist to schedule an appointment. They can perform X-rays and determine the appropriate treatment. 
• Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: Chewing on the side of your mouth with a crack can cause even more pain and damage than you had already experienced. It is best to avoid this side of your mouth until you can get treatment. 
• Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Until you can get into your endodontist’s office for an appointment, use over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing and address tissue swelling. 
• Apply a Cold Compress: In addition to using over-the-counter pain medications, you may also want to use a cold compress on the area. This can cool the affected tissue and help to reduce any swelling you’re experiencing. 

Caring for a Cracked Tooth in Northern Utah

The most important part of caring for a cracked tooth is working with a reliable endodontic team/ If you are dealing with a cracked tooth in the Northern Utah area, turn to our team at David G. Johnson, DDS., for support. With years of experience addressing cracked teeth and more, our team is here to help you every step of the way. If you would like to schedule an appointment to address cracked teeth or if you have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at our Layton or Centerville location. 

When you are dealing with the symptoms of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend seeking treatment from an endodontist. With their expert treatments, you can restore your tooth, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities once again. But, finding a reliable endodontist near you can be incredibly difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for.

At David G. Johnson, DDS., our team understands how daunting it can be to seek endodontic treatment, especially if you’ve never visited a specialist before. However, with the right steps and research, you can find an incredible team to help you through the process. If you are in the process of trying to find a reliable endodontist, keep reading to see what our team recommends looking for. 

1. Look for Recommendations

If you are looking for a reliable endodontist, it might be best to start by asking for recommendations. You may want to ask your primary dentist, as they are often the best resource for referrals. Often, they have a team of trustworthy dental providers in your area that they may recommend for your procedure. You may also want to speak to your family or friends. Their personal recommendations can be invaluable when finding someone who can help you through your upcoming endodontic procedure. 

2. Check Their Qualifications and Credentials

Before deciding that you’ve found a reliable endodontist, consider checking their qualifications and credentials to ensure they’re a good fit. Ensure your endodontist is board-certified. This certification indicates that the specialist has undergone additional training and meets the standards set by the American Board of Endodontics. You may also want to look into their educational background and training programs if possible. Top dental schools and specialized training programs are indicators of a strong foundation.

3. Research Online Reviews and Ratings

When you’ve found a handful of endodontic teams that you believe may be a good fit for your upcoming procedure, you might want to consider reading their online reviews and checking out their ratings. Google reviews, Yelp, and Healthgrades can provide insights into patient experiences. Look for consistent positive feedback regarding the endodontist’s skills, bedside manner, and overall patient care. You should also check to see if your endodontist has received any professional accolades or high ratings from dental associations. 

4. Evaluate Their Experience

If you want to find a reliable endodontist, look for something with several years of experience. With this experience, they are likely to have encountered a wide range of dental issues. With this experience, they have an enhanced ability to handle complex cases. You should also ensure that your provider practices more endodontics than general dentistry. Specialization indicates a deeper focus and expertise in root canal treatments and related procedures. With this experience and specialization, you are less likely to experience problems after the procedure. 

5. Visit the Office

Sometimes finding a reliable endodontist means visiting their office. A clean, well-organized office is a reflection of the endodontist’s professionalism and attention to detail. In their office, they should also feature plenty of modern technology and equipment. Modern technology, such as digital X-rays and dental microscopes, can enhance the accuracy and success of treatments. Check if the endodontist’s office is equipped with up-to-date technology to ensure you are receiving the best endodontic treatments available in the area. 

6. Assess Their Communication Style

During your first appointment or consultation, pay close attention to how the endodontist speaks to you. A reliable endodontist should be willing to answer your questions, explain procedures clearly, and make you feel comfortable. Friendly and helpful office staff can also make your experience much more pleasant. They should be responsive and willing to assist with scheduling, billing, and other concerns. By assessing the communication style of the entire team, you can ensure they keep an open line of communication with you throughout the process. 

7. Consider The Office Location

While you might think you’ve found a reliable endodontist, there is more to consider than just the doctor themself. When choosing an endodontic team, you should choose one with an office that is conveniently located near your home or workplace. This should make attending appointments with your endodontic team easier. They should also offer flexible hours. Including evenings and weekends. These flexible hours can be especially helpful if you don’t have the time to leave work during the week. 

8. Verify Insurance and Payment Options

The last step toward finding a reliable endodontist includes finding one that offers payment that works well for you. Ensure the office accepts your dental insurance to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. You should also check with the team to see if they offer payment plans or financing options. These additional payment options can be especially helpful if you are facing significant dental expenses that you cannot afford to pay upfront. 

The Most Reliable Endodontist in Centerville, Utah

If you are looking for a reliable endodontist in the Centerville or Layton, Utah, area, turn to our team at David G. Johnson, DDS., for support. Our amazing endodontist, Dr. David G. Johnson, has been providing endodontic care to patients across the Wasatch Front since 1990. Whether you’re dealing with your first root canal or you’ve gone through this procedure before, our team helps you feel comfortable from start to finish. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team or if you have any questions about an upcoming appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at our Centerville or Layton offices.

Dealing with tooth pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially while you are waiting for a root canal. In some cases, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. But there are several things you can do to manage discomfort before your root canal that will help you maintain your quality of life before the procedure.

At David G. Johnson, DDS., we empathize with our patients and strive to make them feel as comfortable as possible leading up to their root canal. We understand that the discomfort you experience beforehand can disrupt your everyday tasks, including job and family responsibilities. If you are experiencing pain and want to manage discomfort before your root canal, keep reading to see what our team recommends doing. 

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

One of the easiest ways to manage discomfort before a root canal is by relying on over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen is especially effective due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is always best to follow recommended dosage instructions and consult your doctor if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications before incorporating them into your everyday routine. 

2. Cold Compress

If you are on the fence about using medications to manage discomfort before a root canal, there are several other ways to alleviate discomfort. One of these methods is using a cold compress. When you use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near your irritated tooth, it can help numb your discomfort and reduce any accompanying swelling. If you want to try using it to address your discomfort, wrap ice in a cloth or use a cold pack and apply it for 15-20 minutes at a time. This compress can provide temporary relief from acute pain.

3. Saltwater Rinse

Sometimes, natural remedies for toothaches are the best way to manage discomfort before dental treatments. One reliable natural remedy for your toothache is using a saltwater rinse. A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe your gums and reduce any inflammation that may accompany your irritated tooth. If you want to try a saltwater rinse, mix a little salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. You should repeat this rinse several times a day to help keep the area clean. 

4. Avoid Certain Foods

Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate tooth pain, especially those that are very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. If you want to manage discomfort before a root canal, it may be in your best interest to avoid certain foods that can trigger this pain. Before your root canal, you may want to adopt a soft food diet, as these foods are less likely to irritate this already irritated tooth and surrounding tissue. This is also good preparation for post-treatment, as you will need to consume soft foods following your treatment. 

5. Topical Anesthetic 

In addition to taking over-the-counter pain medications, you may want to consider incorporating a topical anesthetic into your routine. Topical anesthetics, such as those containing benzocaine, can provide temporary relief when applied to the gums around the painful tooth. These are available in gels or liquids and can be found in most pharmacies. For safe use, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and speak to your endodontist about whether they believe this is a good option for your current oral health condition, as some patients with heart disease, certain blood disorders, and breathing problems might not be good candidates for this option. 

6. Good Oral Hygiene

While your tooth and tissue are irritated before a root canal, failing to maintain good oral hygiene may make problems worse. If you want to manage discomfort, it is essential that you maintain your oral hygiene routine. Continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep them free of food debris and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. However, you should remember to be as gentle as possible when brushing and flossing around the irritated tooth. 

7. Adequate Hydration

Adequate hydration is important for your oral health year-round. However, it is especially important when you are trying to manage discomfort before a root canal. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection, as well as helping you maintain proper saliva production. Staying hydrated also helps to manage overall health and well-being, which can positively impact how you manage pain. 

8. Speak to an Endodontist

If you already have an appointment scheduled for your root canal but your pain management efforts aren’t working, you may want to reach out to your endodontic team. In some cases, they may be able to find an earlier appointment option to move your treatment time up on the calendar. If they don’t have an earlier opening, you may be able to talk to your endodontist about prescription pain medications to help you alleviate pain before your appointment. 

Manage Discomfort with David G. Johnson, DDS. 

If you are looking for an endodontic team to help you manage discomfort leading up to a root canal in the Layton and Centerville areas, turn to our team at David G. Johnson, DDS. For over 20 years, our team has provided reliable endodontic treatments to patients across the Wasatch Front. 

From root canals to root resorption and more, our team provides a variety of services to meet everyone’s unique needs. No matter what endodontic treatment you need to restore your oral health, we’re here to help. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about how to manage discomfort leading up to a root canal or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today at our Centerville or Layton location.