While some broken teeth aren’t emergencies, it can sometimes be challenging to determine what’s an emergency and what isn’t. Sometimes, of course, it’s clear that you need emergency medical or dental attention; for example, if your tooth is cracked by an impact to your face, it’s probably a good idea to seek medical attention. Other times, a cracked or fractured tooth might not cause any pain or discomfort, so it might not be an emergency. Ultimately, only a dentist can determine the urgency of treatment for any broken tooth, but there are some guidelines you can observe to assess whether your broken tooth is an emergency or whether it can wait for your next routine dental appointment.
In addition to the clear signs of damage that can come from impact or trauma to the face, common indications that a cracked or broken tooth is an emergency include the following:
- Sudden, intense pain that arises while chewing or biting down
- Extreme tooth sensitivity, which could indicate that a dental nerve is exposed
- Noticeable looseness or visible damage to the tooth
- Swelling, bleeding, inflammation, or other signs of trauma or infection
- An audible clicking or popping noise while chewing, which could indicate a cracked molar
Tooth fractures are among the most common kinds of dental emergencies, though some types of tooth fractures aren’t emergencies at all. These include minor cracks or chips that don’t cause any pain or sensitivity. It’s still important to have these minor damages evaluated by a dental professional, and consistent monitoring can ensure timely intervention if complications do arise, but it’s often the case that small chips or cracks don’t require any treatment at all. If you’re bothered by such small imperfections, however, you can talk to your dentist about cosmetic procedures, like bonding or veneers, that can mask these imperfections and restore the perfection of your smile.
If you have a broken tooth that you think might be an emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many dental practices reserve time for same-day, emergency dental appointments, so it’s worth it to call your own dentist first. Even if it’s after hours, your dentist may have an answering service or voicemail that can provide information about emergency care. If the damage is severe or affects more than just your tooth, or if you’re unable to see an emergency dentist, it’s a good idea to go to an urgent care facility or hospital emergency room right away. Once any immediate, crisis medical or dental concerns are addressed, you can then meet with your dentist to discuss and plan restorations or repairs.
The answer to whether a broken tooth is an emergency isn’t always clear, though if you fall or sustain a sports injury or other impact and your tooth breaks, go to the emergency room for a more comprehensive evaluation of the accident’s effects. If you’re in pain or if you notice other signs of crisis with or near a tooth, start by calling your dentist to learn about your emergency dentistry options. Otherwise, make sure to see your dentist at recommended intervals – usually every six months – so that they can evaluate your teeth and monitor any smaller cracks, fractures, or other damage. With regular checkups, your dentist will be able to determine whether these smaller issues might increase and cause larger issues down the road, providing treatment when and if it’s needed. You’ll need to do your part, but between you and your dentist, you can minimize the number of dental emergencies you’ll face in your lifetime and keep your teeth strong, healthy, and, most importantly, intact for the long term.
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