It will be essential to make a visit to the dentist to check on or repair a cracked molar. The crack might be in the outer enamel layer, and this wouldn't require treatment, but the problem could be much more severe. Here's everything you need to know about how to react to a cracked molar.

Make a Dentist Appointment

It is important to see your dentist immediately because this is a dental emergency that cannot wait. Eating on a cracked molar can make the problem much worse if you bite on something hard and further damage the tooth. After you see your regular dentist, they will probably refer you to an endodontist, who is a specialist in saving teeth. Endodontists study for a minimum of an extra two years longer than regular dentists in order to understand fully how to do things such as perform root canals. 

The best method for pain relief is avoiding eating anything on the side where you have the cracked molar. The pain will probably also become worse if you try to drink cold or hot beverages. Try rinsing out your mouth with warm water and placing a cold pack on the lips or cheek over the area. This should relieve some of the pain and help with the swelling until you get to the dentist's office.

Treat the Cracked Molar

If you have more than a minor crack, it could result in a deeper fracture or become infected if left untreated. You could also be faced with a root canal, crown, or tooth loss. Sometimes a patch job will fix the crack if the soft tissue inside the tooth isn't damaged.

Make a Choice

You can choose bonding, veneers, crowns, root canals, or dental implants. Each method is described below.

• Bonding: Bonding can last for up to seven years if you take good care of your teeth. The dentist roughs up your tooth's surface and puts some conditioning liquid on the tooth. Putty is applied and smoothed out. An ultraviolet light hardens the composite, allowing it to be shaped and polished.
• Veneers: A veneer simply covers the tooth and can last for as long as 30 years.
• Root Canals: A root canal may be needed if the crack has passed the pulp of the tooth.
• Crowns: A cap or crown is placed over the tooth to create a perfect appearance and help you avoid losing the tooth.
• Dental Implants: You might need to have the tooth extracted if the tooth cannot be saved. The dental professional could then give you a dental implant.

These are the best ways to handle a cracked molar. It may require some time to fix the problem, but don't procrastinate and in so doing make the problem worse. Contact a dentistry such as Charlottesville Dental Medicine at Forest Lakes as soon as possible and make an appointment.