When it comes to consuming food, molars are the MVPS. They do a lot of the work, and sometimes, if they crack, it can be a major problem. You do need them. Here, we’ll go over the cracks in molars, what to do about them, and the treatment before you get to the dentist, and when you get there.
How it Happens
Cracks in molars happen due to the fact that they’re on the mouth’s side and back, and they absorb the brunt of the force whenever you chew something. Hard types of foods such as candy, and even chewing on some ice leads to this.
Teeth grinding also causes this a lot of times too. Sometimes, you may not even realize that this is happening until you get a shot of pain through the mouth, and it can be quite sensitive as well, especially when drinking or eating foods that are cold or hot. If you suspect this, it’s better to get an appointment sooner than later to look into this and get relief fast!
What to do when waiting for Appointments
Obviously, not every person’s able to get in immediately to their dentist. If you’re not able to, there are a few things to figure out before seeing them.
Make a note first and foremost of the location of the pain. That way, you’re able to create a better experience, and also have a cracked molar treatment that is pinpointed.
Try not to chew on the side with the crack, so that it doesn’t get worse or cause further problems
Keep anything hot or cold away from that area if you can, especially liquids.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’re able to get in, the first thing is they’ll look at the teeth.
If you’re lucky enough to have a crack that only affects the outer layer of the teeth, they’ll look to see if they need to do something immediately. Hairline fractures are usually not a big deal, and if they’re superficial enough, the dentist may be able to just polish and smooth out the area and dissipate the pain as well.
If it’s more than that however, they may need to do something else. If there is an infection, or even deeper fractures, then the treatment will be based on crack severity. Dentists may recommend crowns, root canals, or extraction of the teeth, depending on the situation.
If there is a situation where you may need to get a root canal or a crown, they’ll do that. they may need to do this if there is an internal infection problem with the teeth.
Extraction is the final case scenario, if they’ve exhausted the options, or if the tooth is so far gone that they’re unable to save it.
They only do that as a last minute thing because molars are integral to tooth structures. If you’ve cracked one, it’s even more important to go see a dentist that will look at this. This is especially true if it’s sensitive to heat and cool.
The sooner you’re able to see a dentist, the better it will be. Hairline fractures are always a best case scenario, and early treatment does mean a difference between just crowning it, getting a root canal to handle inner infections, or an extraction.
Good oral hygiene keeps this maintained, and when you do regular cleaning that check on the teeth, they keep these molars, which are so hard working mind you, healthy and happy for the long-term, benefitting your mouth in the best ways that it can possibly do so as well.
