Broken Tooth and Infection
Patients with a broken tooth should contact their dentist right away. When a broken tooth is not promptly treated, it can cause serious issues. The following article will discuss the importance of treating broken teeth in a timely manner and the potential risk in delaying treatment.
A broken tooth is at an increased risk for infection. Unfortunately, infection can progress quickly when it remains untreated. In severe cases of infection, it can move to the neck and head. Although it is quite rare, a chipped tooth can actually be life-threatening. It is important for patients to contact their dentist immediately if they experience a chipped or broken tooth. The dentist can evaluate the damage and determine the optimal treatment. The dentist can help manage any pain and prevent further damage.
With a broken tooth, the associated pain may range from minor to severe. In some cases, the patient will not experience any pain. Whether or not the patient has pain, they should ensure the broken tooth is treated right away. This is critical in preserving the tooth and maintaining good oral health. Failure to treat the broken tooth can result in severe pain and serious problems. A broken tooth can quickly become worse or need to be extracted. While the broken tooth may not be painful right away, it is at an increased risk for infection and other issues.
When a broken tooth is painful, changes in color, or is sensitive to heat, in can suggest that there is damage to the pulp. In this case, the dentist will evaluate the damage see if the root was impacted. Broken teeth are more likely to be infected. Severe breaks which expose the pulp are at an increased risk for infection. The tooth’s pulp contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels. Infection occurs when the pulp makes contact with the bacteria in the mouth. When the crack extends into the tooth’s pulp, it can cause the tissue to die.
Treatment
Patients who have a broken tooth which impacts the pulp may require a root canal. A root canal eliminates the infected tissue. Once removed, a seal is applied which prevents infection. It is not common to perform a root canal for a minor break. The severity of the break will determine the treatment options.
When the break is minor, dentists typically use dental bonding or filling. Bonding closely matches the color of the natural teeth and is commonly used to treat cracks or breaks on the front of the tooth. Crowns are commonly used in cases of a larger break. A filling can often be used when the patient has a small crack or there is damage to the enamel.
Delay in Treatment
When a patient is waiting to see their dentist, they can do a few things patients to alleviate the pain. Some of the common at home solutions include using a salt water rinse, over-the-counter pain medications, and dental wax. Wax can be used to prevent further damage and temporarily relieve pain. In the absence of wax, a sugar-free gum can be used to temporarily cover sharp edges. While waiting for treatment, patients should avoid hard, crunchy foods and be extremely cautious with the damaged tooth.
A broken tooth is a serious issue which requires immediate treatment. When a broken tooth is not treated right away, it can result in infection or other serious problems. Patients should contact their dentist immediately if they have a broken tooth.