A broken tooth can happen during a meal, while playing sports, or even from clenching your teeth without realizing it. If you’re dealing with a broken tooth in Oakhurst, NJ, the discomfort can interrupt your day and make eating or drinking feel stressful.

Call Monmouth Dental Arts at 732-686-6337 for an appointment.

Understand the Pain

People describe this kind of pain in many different ways. Some say it feels like a quick, sharp spark when something cold or sweet hits the tooth. Others feel pain mainly while chewing. The tooth may pinch or feel unstable when pressure is applied, then settle down again when you stop.

For some, the ache lingers even without chewing. This dull soreness can stretch into the jaw and make it hard to focus on normal tasks.

A broken tooth may also have a rough or jagged edge. This can irritate your tongue or cheek and cause soreness even when the tooth itself is not throbbing.

You might also notice sensitivity when your teeth touch together. Even gentle tapping can feel uncomfortable, as though the tooth is bruised or swollen inside.

Why the Pain Gets Worse

A crack or break usually doesn’t stay the same over time. Every bite can place pressure on the damaged area, causing the crack to spread little by little.

As the break widens, deeper layers of the tooth can become exposed. This makes a broken tooth in Oakhurst much more sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure.

Food can also get caught in the broken area. When debris presses into the crack, it can intensify soreness and create new discomfort.

If bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth, they can irritate the nerve. This can turn quick, sharp pain into steady throbbing or swelling that’s harder to ignore.

You may start chewing only on the opposite side to avoid pain. Over time, this uneven chewing can tire your jaw muscles and lead to headaches or soreness near the ear.

How a Crown Helps

A dental crown is a strong, custom-made cover placed over the damaged tooth. It holds the tooth together, reducing movement that can worsen the crack.

A crown also protects sensitive areas from temperature changes. With the tooth sealed off, eating and drinking usually become much more comfortable.

By restoring the tooth’s natural shape, a crown helps your bite fit properly again. This reduces the chances of accidentally hitting the tooth in a painful way.

If the nerve inside the tooth is irritated or infected, your dentist may treat it before placing the crown. Once protected, the tooth is far less likely to cause ongoing discomfort.

Treating a broken tooth in Oakhurst early can help you avoid more serious problems. Waiting too long may allow infection or deeper cracking to occur, which may require more advanced treatment.

Take the Next Step

Until you see the dentist, try to avoid chewing on the damaged side. Stay away from very hot, cold, or sticky foods that could make the tooth hurt more.

If the edge of the tooth feels sharp, dental wax can help protect your tongue and cheek. Rinsing gently with warm water can also keep the area clean and comfortable.

The most important step is getting the tooth evaluated soon.

Call Monmouth Dental Arts at 732-686-6337 for an appointment in Oakhurst, NJ. You can also ​​schedule online.