110 Broken Teeth – Broken Tooth and Infection (4 of 5)

110 Broken Teeth – Broken Tooth and Infection (4 of 5)
Patients with a chipped tooth should contact their dentist right away. Neglecting to treat a chipped tooth in a timely manner can cause serious issues. Below is a summary of why it is so important to seek treatment for a chipped tooth without delay.

When a broken tooth is not treated, it is susceptible to infection. Over time, infection will progress and get worse. In severe cases, the infection can even move into the head and neck, causing additional problems. It is quite rare, however, a chipped tooth can even be life-threatening. Make an appointment with your dentist immediately if you experience a chipped tooth. The dentist can evaluate the tooth, determine the best treatment, minimize the pain, and ensuring the broken tooth does not cause additional issues.

Visit the Dentist
Regardless if there is severe pain, minor symptoms, or no symptoms at all, it is critical to promptly treat a chipped tooth. Not only is it important in preserving the tooth, but it is also important to your oral health. Failing to seek timely treatment from the dentist can result in lingering pain and long-term issues. In cases where a broken tooth is not treated and the break becomes worse, it may require extraction. Chipped teeth may not result in pain right away. However, infection can set in and cause serious problems.

Broken teeth which hurt, change in color, or are sensitive to heat can suggest that there was damage to the pulp. A dentist will need to perform an evaluation to determine if there was damage to the root. There is also a risk for infection. There can be infection when a break is severe and exposes the pulp. The tooth’s pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria in the mouth can access the pulp, resulting in an infection. When a crack extends into the pulp, it is possible for the tissue to die.

Treatment
A root canal may be needed for patients with a broken tooth which reaches into the pulp. This procedure eliminates the infected tissue and applies a seal. In cases of a minor break, a root canal may not be needed. The treatment for a chipped or broken tooth depends on the severity of the damage.

Bonding or a filling can often be used to repair minor chips, cracks, and breaks. Dental crowns are often used for patients with a larger break. A filling can be used to repair small cracks which damage the enamel. The dentist will often use bonding to repair cracks on the front of a tooth.

Waiting for Treatment
Patients can do a few things to minimize the pain while they wait to see their dentist. At home solutions include using a salt water rinse, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and using dental wax to cover the sharp edge of a chip. Sugar-free gum can also be used to temporarily cover a sharp edge. Avoid eating hard, crunchy foods and biting down on the damaged tooth until you are able to meet with the dentist.

Broken teeth should be taken seriously as they can result in long-term issues and infection. Follow up with your dentist immediate if you experience a broken tooth. The dentist can evaluate the damage and determine the best solution for treatment.