What Happens If You Leave a Broken Tooth?
There are a few reasons why you may have a broken tooth. You may have bitten too hard on tough food, experienced an injury, or you may have even broken a tooth due to bruxism. Whatever the reason for the broken tooth, it’s very important that you have the broken tooth addressed. If not, there are a lot of oral health issues that can occur.
What Happens If You Leave a Broken Tooth?
One of the most immediate things you’ll notice if you don’t repair your tooth is discomfort. A broken tooth can cause a lot of pain over time. This is especially so if your tooth becomes infected.
Infection is a major consideration with a broken tooth, as your tooth becomes exposed to bacteria. This infection can cause an abscess and lead to the need for a root canal. If the abscess is ignored, things will only get worse. The tooth can become so infected that the only option is extraction.
With the pain, discomfort, and potential loss of the tooth, there are some serious reasons why you should have a broken tooth repaired.
Broken Tooth Repair
The first thing to consider with the repair of a broken tooth is whether an infection has occurred. If so, a root canal procedure will be required before the broken tooth is repaired.
How a broken tooth is repaired will depend on how damaged the tooth is. If you only have a small crack or chip that is mainly an aesthetic issue, dental bonding may be enough. For slightly more advanced damage, your dentist may consider the placement of a dental veneer. If things are bad enough, though, the entire crown will need to be replaced.
Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?
A broken tooth may require emergency treatment, depending on the extent of the damage. If there is a minor chip or crack, a regular appointment may be scheduled to treat the issue. If the damage is very severe, though, an emergency visit to the dentist may be required.
If you are missing a large portion of your tooth and are experiencing pain, you’ll want to set an emergency appointment to have the tooth treated. It’s important to keep in mind not all dentists perform emergency services. You’ll need to find a provider that offers these services.
Reducing Discomfort
If you are experiencing discomfort due to a broken tooth, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also rinse your mouth out with saltwater. Make sure you avoid hard foods until the break in the tooth is addressed. If the pain is bad enough, set an emergency appointment. Don’t wait around for it to feel better. Your tooth won’t heal on its own.
Reach Out Today
If you have a cracked, chipped, or otherwise broken tooth, reach out today and schedule an appointment. The sooner the broken tooth can be addressed, the better.