What happens if you leave a broken tooth
When comparing cracked or broken teeth to other dental issues such as gum disease, tooth loss, or cancer, it may not appear to be serious or urgent. Cracked or broken teeth, however, can be quite serious and result in long-term issues. When the issue is not taken care of promptly, it can become worse and more difficult to treat. A common symptom associated with a cracked tooth is pain. However, there can be other issues and symptoms associated with the issue. Extensive treatments may be required to completely repair the tooth. An untreated cracked tooth can be a serious threat to a patient’s dental health. It is important to reach out to your dentist right away if you experience a cracked tooth. It is import for patients to seek immediate assistance if they have a fractured tooth. This article will discuss the most common causes and treatments associated with broken teeth.
Broken Tooth Causes
Many patients are curious what can cause the teeth to break in the first place. While the teeth are the hardest substance found in the human body, they can still unfortunately be damaged. The outermost layer of the tooth is the enamel, which protects the teeth and makes them incredibly strong.
Below are some of the common causes that patients experience broken teeth:
1. Accident or trauma to the mouth or face
2. Biting down on hard food or objects
3. Bruxism or chronic grinding of the teeth
4. Cavities which are not treated
5. Large filling which cannot be supported by the enamel
6. Teeth being used to open things or as a tool
When a cracked tooth remains untreated, it can allow for the pump and other tissues to become infected. When the tooth becomes infected, it can result in the complete loss of the tooth. Taking prompt action to treat a broken tooth ensures the best possible outcome and can reduce the chances of losing the tooth. Ensure the broken tooth is treated right away helps to prevent the crack from becoming worse, alleviates pain, and ultimately preserves the tooth.
Treating a Cracked Tooth
Unfortunately, there are no at home treatments which can be used for a cracked or broken tooth. Cracked teeth must be treated by a dentist. If a patient knows they have a cracked tooth, they should follow up with their dentist right away. Patients with broken teeth may experience pain which comes and goes, discomfort when biting down or chewing, and increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
In most cases, the dentist will obtain a dental x-ray to determine the severity of the crack. This gives the dentist insight in how to effectively treat the problem. In cases where the inside of the tooth is impacted, a root canal is typically required in order to preserve the tooth. When the tooth is beyond repair, the tooth must unfortunately be extracted. Fortunately, there are solution for restoring lost teeth such as a dental implant. Implants are an excellent tooth-replacement option which gives patients the function and appearance similar to the natural teeth.
If you have a broken tooth, contact your dentist right away to discuss your treatment options.