110 Broken Teeth – Is a broken tooth an emergency (2 of 5)

110 Broken Teeth – Is a broken tooth an emergency? (2 of 5)
Broken teeth do not always require emergency dental treatment. Patients with minor symptoms including minor sensitivity or a toothache can typically wait for their next routine appointment. Over-the-counter medication can also provide temporary relief while patients wait to see their dentist. In some cases, it’s difficult to determine when a problem requires emergency dental care. Broken teeth are often considered an emergency. As a result, patients should contact their dentist immediately for an examination and treatment. Below is a summary of frequently asked questions regarding broken teeth and emergency treatment.

Emergency Treatment
When patients have an issue which requires immediate medical attention, it is considered a dental emergency. A dental emergency typically means the patient requires a same-day visit to the dentist for treatment. Cases which are severe may require that the patient proceed to the closest emergency room or urgent care.

Broken teeth are typically considered an emergency which require immediate treatment. One of the most common types of dental emergency is a fractured tooth. Broken teeth can occur from trauma, a sports-related accident, or from routine activities such as chewing. While broken teeth are serious, a minor fracture or chip is not considered an emergency. Chips and minor fractures for not require immediate treatment. Patients are able to wait to schedule a regular appointment with their dentist.

Major tooth fractures require immediate emergency treatment. A major tooth fracture is defined by a large portion of the tooth breaking off. In most cases, severe dental will occur with a major fracture. Patients should seek treatment right away in order to preserve the tooth.

Where to go for a Dental Emergency
Sometimes a patient may not have a regular dentist, however, they can still obtain emergency medical assistance. Dentists typically create space in their schedule to allow for same-day, emergency appointments. Patients can contact dentists in the area to find an appointment. Some dentists even offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate emergency situations. The dentist can often work additional appointments into their schedule to treat a broken tooth.

It is never convenient to deal with a broken tooth. It is common for a dental emergency to happen during a holiday, on a weekend, or in the evening. Regardless of when the emergency occurs, patients can contact their dentist. Most dental offices will have an emergency number or a way to reach the dentist for emergency situations. Patient with a major fracture who are unable to reach their dentist should proceed to the nearest urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Depending on the severity of a patient’s broken tooth, they may need to make an emergency dental visit. Minor chips and fractures can wait for a regular appointment, but a major tooth fractures definitely requires emergency treatment. Patients with a broken tooth should contact their dentist to determine if immediate emergency treatment is required. The dentist can often perform a consultation over the phone to determine the severity of the break. Prompt treatment of broken teeth aids in preserving the tooth and can prevent the issue from becoming worse or resulting in long-term problems.