Having a cracked filling might sound scary, but it doesn’t always mean you need urgent help. Let’s talk about what a cracked filling is, when it could be a big problem, and what you can do about it.
Understanding Cracked Fillings
When you have a cavity or damage in your tooth, a dentist puts in something called a filling to fix it. This helps keep your tooth strong and prevents more damage. But sometimes, these fillings can get cracked or broken. This can happen because you chew hard foods, grind your teeth, or just over time.
There are temporary fillings for cracked tooth to provide immediate relief and protection until further dental treatment can be arranged.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have a cracked filling, you might notice a few things:
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Pain or Sensitivity
Your tooth might hurt when you chew or when you have something hot or cold.
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Seeing or Feeling Damage
You might be able to see or feel the crack with your tongue or by looking in the mirror.
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Sharp Edges
The crack can make your tooth feel rough or sharp.
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Trouble Eating
It might be hard to eat because your tooth hurts or feels weird when you chew.
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Changes in How Your Teeth Fit Together
Your bite might feel different, like your teeth don’t fit together the way they used to.
If you notice any of these things, it’s important to tell your dentist in North York. They can check your tooth and see if the filling needs to be fixed.
Determining if it’s an Emergency
Whether you need to see a dentist right away depends on a few things:
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How Much It Hurts
If your tooth hurts a lot and doesn’t stop hurting, that’s a sign you might need help right away. You might need to see an emergency dentist in North York.
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How bad is the crack?
If a big part of the filling has broken off, or if your tooth is really sharp or jagged, that could be a problem.
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Infection Signs
Swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth could mean your tooth is infected. Infections need to be treated quickly to stop them from getting worse.
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How Hard Is It to Eat?
If it’s too hard to eat or drink because of the cracked filling, that’s not good for you. You might need help sooner rather than later.
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The Risk of More Damage
Waiting too long to fix a cracked filling could lead to more problems down the road. It’s better to get it checked sooner to avoid bigger issues later.
What to Do in Case of Emergency
If you think you need to see a dentist right away because of a cracked filling, here’s what you can do:
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Call your dentist
Let them know what’s going on with you and ask for an emergency appointment. They’ll tell you what to do.
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Manage the Pai
Over-the-counter pain medicine can help you feel better until you see the dentist. You might also look for a walk-in dentist near you if you need help right away.
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Be Careful when eating
Stick to softer foods that won’t make your tooth hurt more.
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Keep Your Mouth Clean
Brush and floss like usual to keep your mouth healthy.
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Protect the Tooth
If your tooth feels sharp or jagged, you can use dental wax or temporary filling material to cover it and keep it from hurting your mouth.
Prevention and Long-Term Management
To keep your fillings in good shape and avoid emergencies:
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See Your Dentist Regularly
They can catch problems early and fix them before they become emergencies.
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Take Care of Your Teeth
Don’t chew on things that are too hard, and ask your dentist about a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
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Watch What You Eat
Avoid foods that might make your fillings break or wear down faster.
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Keep Your Mouth Clean
Brush and floss every day to keep your teeth and fillings healthy.
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Follow Your Dentist’s Advice
If they tell you to get a filling fixed or replaced, listen to them. It’ll help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
In short, a cracked filling might not always be an emergency, but it’s essential to pay attention to any signs of trouble and get help if you need it. Your dentist in North York is there to help keep your smile healthy, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your fillings or any other dental issues.
Looking for dental help? We’ve Got You Covered
Whether you need an emergency dentist in North York, we’re ready to help.
At City Dental Toronto, we know that taking care of your teeth is really important for your overall health. We also know it’s important for you to feel good about yourself. That’s why our team of experienced staff is dedicated to making your dental visits comfortable.
If you need a new dentist for a check-up, cleaning, emergency appointment, or a walk-in dentist near you, we’re here to assist you. We have five dental offices that offer all these services, and all you need to do is choose the one closest to you.
You can either book online directly into our schedule or give us a call. If you prefer, you can fill out a form, and we’ll get in touch with you.
Call us or book online. Choose the option that works for you. Your dental health is our priority, and we’re here to make it easy for you to get the care you need.