The problems that can arise with a broken tooth are varied, and some are harder to deal with than others. Of course, there are often aesthetic issues when a visible tooth breaks, but there are important reasons to treat a broken tooth regardless of whether its appearance bothers you or not.
Some of these issues include:
- Sensitivity in the affected tooth and the surrounding area
- Sharp pain, especially when biting or chewing
- Continued damage to the tooth
- Damage to the soft oral tissues
- Infection
All of these circumstances are unpleasant and uncomfortable, but the most treacherous threat posed by a broken tooth is the threat of infection. When a tooth’s protective outer layers of dentin and enamel crack or fracture, the mass of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive are extremely vulnerable to infection, as bacteria that naturally colonize in the mouth seep in through the fracture. When infection overtakes a tooth, an abscess forms. This infection, untreated, overtakes the tooth, killing it before moving deeper into the blood, compromising vital systems; it’s imperative to stop the spread of infection from a broken tooth to prevent it from causing conditions that could be life-threatening. Abscesses can form whether you’re aware that you have a broken tooth or not, and regular dental exams are a great way to keep track of the health and integrity of your teeth. Treating minor fractures with fillings, bonding, or other restorations helps prevent abscesses, and these treatments are often quick and simple before damage is allowed to progress. When minor cracks aren’t treated, however, the tooth could continue to weaken and increase the likelihood of a more tragic break.
The first line of treatment for a dental abscess is a root canal, which aims to remove infected tissue while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Usually, the tooth is protected with a dental crown following the root canal treatment, protecting it from additional damage and restoring the dentition. If it’s impossible to save the tooth with a root canal, it may be necessary to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or other restoration.
Prompt attention can prevent a broken tooth from developing an infection. In some cases, a crack orIf you’ve been ignoring signs of a broken tooth, or if you suspect you have a broken tooth but aren’t sure, contact your dentist. If you have an emergency dental situation, addressing it sooner rather than later is the best way to prevent infection. If any indications of an abscess appear, it’s especially important to see a professional.
Ten Signs of Possible Dental Abscess:
- Intense toothache
- Pain that radiates from the tooth into the neck, ear, or face
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Visible swelling in the face, cheek, or neck
- A sudden sensation of bitter fluid in your mouth, which indicates that the abscess has ruptured
- Tenderness
- in the neck and jaw
- A foul odor or taste in the mouth
- Fever
If you have any of the other symptoms combined with a fever, or if swelling or pain interferes with your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical attention right away, as these possibly life-threatening conditions could indicate that infection has spread. If your dentist has recommended repairing a broken tooth but you’ve been putting it off, keep these symptoms in mind as you call today to plan your treatment.
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