Looking For Emergency Cracked Tooth Repair Near Me?
Des Moines and Nearby Areas
Cracking a tooth can happen for all kinds of reasons – grinding your teeth at night, biting something too hard, or just plain getting older. It’s one of the most common reasons people end up losing their natural teeth, but if the crack hasn’t gone too deep below the gumline, there’s a good chance the natural tooth can still be saved.
At Emergency Dentist Des Moines, we’re here to provide fast and effective dental treatments for any cracked or broken tooth so you don’t have to worry about it getting worse.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
There are plenty of things that can lead to a cracked tooth, including:
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, especially while sleeping, puts pressure on the tooth enamel and can eventually cause cracks.
Hard Foods
Biting into something hard like nuts or hard candy can cause a small chip or a full crack.
Accidents
A strong impact, like a fall or car accident, can lead to a cracked or broken tooth.
Temperature Changes
Eating something cold and then something hot too quickly can sometimes cause the tooth enamel to crack.
Age
Teeth naturally weaken as we get older, especially after age 50, making natural teeth more vulnerable to damage.
Cracked Tooth? Get Same-Day Dental Repair Near You!
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
You might need to see a cracked tooth dentist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Pain When Chewing: Pain in the affected tooth when biting down.
- Sensitivity: Sharp sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
- On-and-Off Pain: Discomfort that comes and goes, even when not eating.
- Gum Swelling: Swelling around the cracked or broken tooth.
Types of Cracks in Teeth
Not all cracks are the same. These are the most common types we treat:
Craze Lines
Tiny cracks in the tooth enamel that usually don’t cause pain.
Fractured Cusp
Cracks near a filling that don’t often reach the pulp or cause much pain.
Deep Cracks
These cracks can run down to the gumline. If caught early, the natural tooth can be saved with proper dental treatments.
Split Tooth
When a crack goes below the gumline and splits the tooth into two parts, sometimes requiring extraction or a dental implant.
Vertical Root Fracture
A crack that starts below the gumline and works its way up the affected tooth.
Don’t Wait in Pain – Get Trusted, Gentle Treatment Today
How We Treat Cracked Teeth
The right dental treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack, as well as your symptoms. Here are some of the common ways we restore a cracked or broken tooth:
- Plastic Resin Repair: For smaller cracks or a small chip, we use a durable resin to seal and protect the natural tooth.
- Dental Crown: Placing a crown over the affected tooth can prevent further damage and restore its function.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack extends into the pulp, a root canal treatment may be required to remove the damaged tissue.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the crack extends deep below the gumline, the tooth may need to be removed and possibly replaced with a dental implant.
- No Treatment: Minor cracks that don’t cause pain might not need treatment, but regular monitoring is key. The right dental treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack, as well as your symptoms.Â
Why Choose Emergency Dentist Des Moines for Cracked Tooth Treatment?
Always Ready
We’re available 24/7 for dental emergencies—because a cracked or broken tooth can’t wait.
Experienced Team
Our team has extensive experience helping patients fix cracked teeth and save their natural teeth whenever possible.
Advanced Technology
We use the latest tools to quickly diagnose and treat your affected tooth.
Convenient Location
Visit us at 801 Grand Ave #150 Des Moines, IA 50309, for fast and reliable care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cracked tooth?
A cracked tooth is a tooth with a small or large crack. Some cracks only affect the outside of the tooth, while others reach deeper into the tooth.
What can cause a cracked tooth?
A cracked tooth can happen from biting hard foods, a dental injury, teeth grinding, large fillings, sudden temperature changes, or normal wear over time.
What are the signs of a cracked tooth?
Common signs include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, pain when biting down, or tooth pain that comes and goes.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
It can be. If you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or the crack exposes the inside of the tooth, you should see a dentist right away.
How is a cracked tooth repaired?
The treatment depends on how deep the crack is and where it is located. Your dentist may recommend dental bonding, a crown, a root canal, or another treatment.
Can a cracked tooth be fixed?
Yes. Many cracked teeth can be treated successfully, especially if they are treated early.
What is the best treatment for a cracked tooth?
The best treatment depends on the size and location of the crack. A dental exam will help your dentist choose the right treatment.
Will I need a dental crown for a cracked tooth?
In many cases, a dental crown is used to protect and strengthen a cracked tooth.
Can a cracked tooth require a root canal?
Yes. If the crack reaches the inside of the tooth or causes an infection, a root canal may be needed.
When should I get emergency treatment for a cracked tooth?
You should see a dentist right away if you have severe pain, swelling, trouble chewing, or if a large part of the tooth has broken off.
Do you offer same-day appointments for cracked teeth in Des Moines?
Yes. Emergency Dentist Des Moines offers same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible for patients with cracked teeth and other urgent dental problems.
What should I do right after cracking a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, avoid chewing on the injured side, and contact a dentist as soon as possible for an exam.
Can a cracked tooth get worse if I wait?
Yes. A crack can become larger over time and may lead to more pain, infection, or further damage.
What happens during a dental visit for a cracked tooth?
Your visit may include a dental exam, any needed X-rays, and a discussion about the best treatment for your tooth.
How do I schedule an appointment for a cracked tooth?
Call (515) 631-4994 or fill out the online appointment form. Our team will contact you to confirm your visit and discuss your symptoms.