A fractured tooth is an important problem. When your tooth fractures, bacteria and acid can penetrate right through your enamel and dentin to rot away the fragile insides. If left untreated, a fractured tooth may call for a root canal. Unfortunately, you may have a fractured tooth without even realizing it for a long period of time. It may feel normal to the touch, and you might not even experience any symptoms until your pulp becomes infected. To avoid such problems, be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- Any erratic pain in your tooth that manifests or becomes worse when you chew or clench your teeth.
- Pain that comes from temperature changes in your mouth, particularly cold temperatures.
- A pain, swelling, or pocketing in the gums around your tooth.
- A rough or sharp feeling on your tooth.
Should you ever suspect that you have a fractured tooth, don’t wait to call our Bellingham dentist. Prompt treatment may make the difference between needing a filling or needing a root canal.