What happens if you leave a broken tooth?
Broken teeth may seem relatively minor when compared to other dental issues including oral cancer, tooth loss, and gum disease. However, broken teeth can be quite serious and have the potential to cause long-term problems. Broken teeth which are not promptly treated, can become worse in no time at all. In some cases, it can also result in the treatment plan being more complicated and expensive. Perhaps the most common symptom associated with broken teeth is pain. The treatment for broken teeth can vary based on the severity of the damage and health of the patient. Patients with a broken tooth should follow up with their dentist right away as it can have a negative impact on their overall dental health. The dentist will evaluate the break and provide a treatment recommendation.
Causes
Patients are often curious what can cause broken teeth. The hardest material in the human body is surprisingly the teeth. While the teeth are extremely strong, it is still possible for them to be damaged. The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. It is quite strong and protects the teeth from damage and decay. The most common causes of a broken tooth include:
- Trauma, accident, or injury
- Incorrect use of the teeth
- Chewing hard food
- Chronic teeth grinding or bruxism
- Cavities
- Fillings which are too large to be supported by the enamel
Failure to quickly treat a broken tooth can allow for the infection of the pulp and other tissues. Infected teeth can be challenging to preserve and may require extraction. To ensure the best outcome, patients with a broken tooth must act quickly. This helps increases the changes of maintaining the tooth. Quick treatment also prevents the break from becoming worse and helps alleviate pain.
Treatment
There are unfortunately no effective remedies for treating a broken tooth at-home. A dental professional must treat the issue. Patients who suspect they have cracked a tooth, should follow up with their dentist immediately. It is common for dental offices to build time into the dentist’s schedule to accommodate unexpected emergencies. A broken tooth can cause a great deal of pain. In some cases the pain may be intermittent. Patients often experience chewing pain or increased sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks.
The dentist will typically use an x-ray to determine how severe the break is. This can give the dentist insight on the best treatment options. When the inside of the tooth is impacted, the dentist may need to perform a root canal. Root canals can help preserve the tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. A tooth which is damaged beyond repair may require extraction. The dentist will exhaust all other treatment options before removing the tooth. In cases where the tooth requires removal, patients may consider a dental implant which is the best solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are superior as they appear and function similar to the natural teeth.
Patients with a broken or cracked tooth should follow up with their dentist as soon possible. Prompt treatment is critical in preserving the tooth and preventing other serious issues.