Broken Tooth and Infection
Patients with a chipped tooth should contact their dentist right away. Neglecting to quickly treat broken teeth can result in serious, long-term issues. This article will focus on why broken teeth should be treated and review the various treatment options.
Untreated Chipped Teeth
Broken teeth which are not properly treated are at an increased risk for infection. Once infection is present, it can spread to other parts of the neck and head. The spread of infection can result in serious health issues. Although it is quite rare, chipped teeth can be life-threatening.
Patients should follow up with their dentist right away if they experience a broken tooth. The dentist can help to reduce pain, identify a treatment plan, and ensuring the broken tooth does not result in greater issues.
Because broken teeth can range in severity, they symptoms can also range from no symptoms, to minor discomfort, or excruciating discomfort. The dentist will need to evaluate the broken tooth to determine the best treatment plan. Prompt treatment also helps to ensure the tooth can be preserved, when possible. Failing to seek prompt treatment can result in increased pain and discomfort. In some cases, the broken tooth may need to be removed. Chipped or broken teeth may not cause immediate pain, however the onset of infection can compromise the patient’s oral health and overall health.
In cases where the broken tooth is painful, experiences a change in color, or is sensitive to heat, it may suggest there is serious damage to the tooth’s pulp. The dentist will evaluate the tooth to determine if there is root damage or infection. Infection can occur when the break extends into the pulp of the tooth.
The tooth’s pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria in the mouth can reach the pulp and cause an infection. In some cases, the pulp tissue can even die from the chip.
Treatment
Patients with damaged dental pulp will need to undergo a root canal. Root canals eliminate infected tissue and create a seal to protect the tooth. The treatment of a broken tooth depends on the extent of the damage.
The dentist will also use dental bonding or a filling to repair minor chips, cracks and breaks. Dental crowns are often used in repairing teeth with large breaks or greater damage. If just a small portion of the tooth’s enamel is missing, the dentist can use a filling, which is a great solution. Dentists will often use dental bonding to repair cracks on the front of the tooth.
At Home Treatments
While broken teeth cannot be repaired at home, there are certain things patients can do to help alleviate some of the discomfort while they wait for an appointment. Patients can rinse their mouth with salt water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and place dental wax on the tooth to cover any sharp edges. Patients who do not have access to dental wax can apply sugar-free gum to the tooth. Patients should focus on consuming soft foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth until they are able to meet with the dentist.
Broken teeth should be taken seriously and patients should follow up with their dentist right away for treatment. Failing to properly treat a broken tooth can result in additional damage or infection.