110 Broken Teeth – What happens if you leave a broken tooth (1 of 5)

110 Broken Teeth – What happens if you leave a broken tooth? (1 of 5)
Broken teeth may not seem serious compared to other dental issues such as tooth loss or gum disease, however, cracked or broken teeth can be quite serious. In some cases, they can cause long-term problems which may not be reversible. Broken teeth which are not promptly treated can become worse, making treatment more challenging. While there are various symptoms, pain is one of the most common symptom of a broken tooth. In order to repair the tooth, extensive treatments may be needed. Cracked, broken teeth seriously harm a patient’s overall dental health. Patients should follow up with their dentist immediately if they have a broken tooth. The dentist will evaluate the problem and work to treat it. Below is a summary of common causes of broken teeth and treatment options.

Causes
Patients often want to know what cause a broken tooth and how this can happen. The teeth are the hardest material in the human body. Unfortunately, they can still be damaged. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth. It is an incredibly strong layer which helps to protect the teeth. The most common causes of broken teeth include the following:
* Trauma to the mouth or an accident
* Biting hard food or foreign objects such as a pen
* Chronic teeth grinding or bruxism
* Untreated cavities
* Fillings which are too large to be supported by the tooth’s enamel
* Misuse of the teeth such as to open things
Broken teeth which are not treated right away can allow for the infection of pulp and other tissues inside the teeth. A tooth which is infected can even result in losing the tooth completely. Prompt action is critical in treating broken teeth as it helps ensure the best possible outcome. Acting quickly also lowers the chance of losing the tooth. Treating a broken tooth as soon as possible prevents the crack from worsening, helps alleviate the pain, and can preserve the tooth.

Treatment
There truly are no at remedies which can be completed at home to treat a broken or cracked tooth. A dentist must be involved in the treatment. Patients who suspect or know that they have a cracked tooth should contact their dentist immediately for an appointment. Many dentists build time in their schedules for emergency appointments. If a patient has a broken tooth, they may have on and off pain. They could also have pain when biting down or chewing on food and sensitivity to items which are hot or cold.

The dentist will typically use an x-ray to see how severe the crack is. This gives the dentist insight into the most effective treatment for the issue. When the inside of the tooth is impacted, the dentist will perform a root canal. Root canals can help preserve the tooth. Teeth which are damaged beyond repair will need to be extracted. This is a last resort and the dentist will exhaust all other options prior to removing the tooth. Dental implants are an excellent tooth-replacement option. Implants function and appear similar to natural teeth.

Patients with a broken tooth must contact their dentist right away to discuss treatment options. Do not delay as it can compromise the tooth and cause greater issues.