It can be very hard to deal with a broken tooth because it often causes extreme pain or soreness. Even if the damage doesn’t hurt or seems minor at first, it can get worse quickly. Let’s look more closely at why a broken tooth counts as a dental emergency and what steps you should take next if this issue occurs.
When Does a Broken Tooth Become a Dental Emergency?
A chipped or broken tooth isn’t always a dental emergency. For example, if you only have a small chip on your enamel, you may not feel any pain at all.
On the other hand, if the break or fracture reaches the inner layers of your tooth or involves the pulp, it is a more serious issue. If you ignore it, this problem can lead to:
- Infection
- Increased sensitivity
- Pain when you bite or chew
- More damage to the tooth structure
- Dental abscess
In any case, quick treatment is important since bacteria can readily get in through cracks or open spots. That’s why most cases of broken teeth are considered emergencies by dentists.
What to Do If You Have a Broken or Chipped Tooth?
If you break or crack a tooth, intervening soon can make a big difference in what happens next. Follow these steps:
Contact your dentist right away
Call your dentist and let them know what happened. They can make an emergency appointment for you and offer you more instructions.
Rinse your mouth
Use warm saltwater to gently rinse your mouth, which helps clean the area and get rid of any small broken pieces.
Stop the bleeding
If there is bleeding, put a clean gauze on it and press down lightly until it stops. You can also put a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the sore spot to help with swelling and pain.
Keep any broken pieces
If a portion of your tooth falls apart, rinse it gently without scraping it. Then put it in milk and take it to the dentist.
Take painkillers (if needed)
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help if the pain is too much.
How Can a Dentist Fix a Broken Tooth?
When you reach the dental office, your dentist will check the broken tooth and take X-rays to assess how bad the damage is. Treatment varies by severity. If you have only a small crack or chip, your dentist may suggest dental bonding. They use a resin that is just the same shade as your teeth.
But if the damage is too severe and also affects the pulp, you may need a root canal. Your dentist will likely place a crown after treatment to keep it safe from more damage.
Final Words
A broken tooth may not always be a dental emergency, but it is best to seek urgent dental care as early as possible. The sooner you see a dentist, the greater your chances of saving your tooth without needing more complicated treatments.
If you experience this issue, reach out to our dentist at White Arch Dental right away. Call us at (978) 772-6658 to book an appointment.
