“I have a cracked tooth. Does this expose me to an infection?”
While eating a pizza yesterday, my tooth cracked. Can this expose me to an infection immediately?
15 Answers
No but it might slowly damage and kill your tooth nerve which might lead to infection later.
If the nerve is not exposed, it usually doesn't cause infection.
Yes, the dentin covering the tooth underneath the enamel is exposed to bacteria. You need to give it access immediately.
Actually yes it can. A crack can be a direct path to the pulp of the tooth. You should get it evaluated to see if a crown alone will remedy the situation or will the tooth requires a root canal or even extraction.
You should follow up with a dentist within the next few days. If a fracture exposes the nerve it can eventually cause an infection.
Dr. Stella Carollo
Dr. Stella Carollo
Yes. And potential loss of the tooth.
Not immediate infection, but it can be left untreated. you need to consider going to get it filled
Depending on the depth of the crack. If it involves the dentine, you will be sensitive to hot and cold liquids and food. It is best to see your dentist ASAP and avoid using this side until then.
It may, depending on the location and extent of the fracture. If it penetrates into the root, you could lose the tooth. Have it checked out by your dentist ASAP.
Not immediately. Come to our office, pain can occur abruptly.
It can expose you to an infection and it also cannot expose you to an infection. It is all dependent on how deep the fracture is. If the fracture communicates to the pulp inside the tooth, or the pulp becomes exposed, then yes it is possible for an infection to develop. If neither of those things occurred, then the nerve inside may be just fine. A dentist needs to examine the tooth make this assessment. However, even if a fracture does communicate to or expose the pulp, it is unlikely that the tooth would become infected immediately. You would first develop symptoms to temperature possibly pain on biting. I would recommend making an appointment with your general dentist or contact an endodontist (root canal specialist).
Good luck!
Good luck!
If your tooth is cracked, it can expose the tissue inside, resulting in pain, inflammation, and potentially infection. You should have the tooth evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
Yes, it may. The tooth has an outer layer of hard enamel, which protects the middle layer of dentin and innermost layer of soft pulp tissue. If the crack is deep it exposes the pulp to oral environment, which may cause the bacteria from your mouth to go inside the tooth and in the surrounding bone. That's the start of an abscess.
Cracked teeth keep dentists in business. Most cracked teeth just need to be crowned. Some may need a root canal prior, some may end up needing a root canal after crowning. Your best bet is to have your dentist look at the extent of the crack and guide you through the options. They my opt to send you to a endodontist to evaluate the risk of needing a root canal.
It depends on how deep the crack is. If it is shallow or just on the surface, infection is unlikely to be an issue. However, if it is deep, it is possible that bacteria and other contaminants can infiltrate down through the crack and eventually lead to an infection
