Why Is It Important to Address Broken Teeth Immediately?

A broken tooth can occur suddenly, whether from biting down on something hard, a fall, or an unexpected accident. When it happens, many people may think it’s not a big deal if the pain isn’t severe. However, even a small break in a tooth can lead to serious issues if left untreated. Therefore, quick treatment from an emergency dentist helps prevent these problems and keeps your smile healthy. You can also take some essential steps to handle the situation until you see a dentist. In this blog, we’ll discuss why it’s important to address broken teeth immediately to maintain your dental health and avoid bigger issues.

What Leads to Cracked or Broken Tooth?

Accidents are inevitable, and they can sometimes affect your teeth, leading to their breaking and damaging. Here are the most common situations that can break your teeth. Knowing them helps you prevent them and take necessary preventative measures. So, your broken tooth may be a result of the following situations: 

• Chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or candy.
• Falls, car accidents, or getting hit in the face during sports.
• When a tooth is weakened by decay, it becomes more fragile and easier to break. 
• Large cavities that weaken the tooth structure.
• Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during sleep.
• When Old fillings weaken over time.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore a Broken Tooth

We have reviewed the causes of broken teeth so far. It’s important to know that in these situations, you need the immediate help of a dentist. To help you better understand why you need professional help, here are the top reasons you should know about.

1. Pain Can Get Worse

Even if the initial pain from a broken tooth is mild, it can intensify quickly. That’s because a fracture can expose the nerves inside the tooth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. As time goes on, the pain can become constant and unbearable, affecting your daily life.

2. There’s a Risk of Infection

When a tooth breaks, bacteria can enter through the crack or chip. This can lead to an infection,  causing swelling, redness, and pain in the gums around the broken tooth. Furthermore, if the infection spreads, it can affect other teeth and even your jawbone. In this case, quick treatment can eliminate the bacteria and help prevent serious complications.

3. It Can Damage Other Teeth

A broken tooth can create sharp edges that may irritate or injure the surrounding teeth and gums. This can lead to additional dental issues, such as cuts or sores in your mouth. Also, the stress placed on adjacent teeth can cause them to become loose or develop cracks themselves.

4. Chewing May Be Difficult

A broken tooth can make it hard to chew food properly, which can be uncomfortable and frustrating. This difficulty can lead to changes in your eating habits, making you avoid certain foods or favoring softer options. Over time, this can impact your nutrition and digestive health.

5. It Won’t Heal on Its Own

Unlike minor cuts or bruises, if an adult tooth is broken, it will not repair itself. The damage will only worsen without proper treatment. Waiting too long can lead to the need for more complex and costly dental procedures, such as root canals, extractions, or even cosmetic dentistry treatments.

How to Handle a Broken Tooth Immediately?

If you experience a broken tooth, it’s important to act quickly to minimize pain and prevent further damage. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Rinse your mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This can remove any debris and soothe the gums around the broken tooth. 
2. Control bleeding: If your gums are bleeding, use a clean piece of gauze or a cloth to apply gentle pressure to the area. Hold it in place for about 10 minutes. 
3. Manage pain and swelling: To relieve pain, take over-the-counter pain medication, following the instructions on the package. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
4. Save any pieces: If you have broken pieces of your tooth, carefully collect them and store them in a container with milk or saliva. This may help preserve them until you can see a dentist.
5. Contact your dentist: Call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. If your dentist is unavailable, you can visit an emergency dental clinic for prompt treatment.

How Will an Emergency Dentist Help with Your Broken Teeth

Emergency dentists are trained to handle and address broken teeth quickly and effectively. When you visit their office, they will first examine your tooth and determine the extent of the damage. They may take X-rays to see the inside of the tooth and check for any additional problems. Based on their assessment, they will recommend the best treatment options to restore your tooth and relieve any pain you may be experiencing.

In addition to treating the broken tooth, an emergency dentist can provide care for any related issues, such as swelling or bleeding. They can also give you pain relief and help you manage any discomfort. Moreover, if you want to replace your missing tooth with a new one, they can help you with the required treatments, such as dental implants or dentures. With their expertise, you can feel confident knowing that you are in good hands during a dental emergency.

Final Word

As reviewed in this blog, it’s important to address broken tooth right away to prevent any more pain, infections, and damage to surrounding teeth. A healthy mouth is what you need to be healthy and in good shape. At Dentistry on Gloucester, our experienced team is here to provide fast and effective care for your broken tooth and any other dental emergencies you may face. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help and contact us now!

FAQs

How soon should I see a dentist for a broken tooth?

You should see a dentist as soon as possible after breaking a tooth. Ideally, schedule an appointment within 24 hours to prevent further damage and complications. If you experience severe pain or bleeding, seek emergency care immediately.

Can a broken be saved?

In many cases, a broken tooth can be saved, especially if you seek treatment quickly. The best chance of saving the tooth depends on the extent of the damage and how soon you see a dentist. Treatments like bonding, crowns, or root canals can often restore a broken tooth.

Which treatment is the best for a broken tooth?

The best treatment for a broken tooth depends on the severity of the break. Dental bonding may be sufficient for minor chips. For more significant breaks, your dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth or a root canal if the nerve is affected. Your dentist will evaluate the damage and suggest the most suitable option for your situation.