What Happens If a Broken Tooth Goes Untreated?

If you have a broken tooth, you may not realize what a big emergency this is. You may think this is only a cosmetic issue and will not affect your dental health. However, even if no one can see that your tooth is broken, you should not put off a visit to your dentist. A fractured tooth is a dental emergency. If a dentist does not examine you and treat the damage, you could face more significant problems.

Common ways that people get a broken tooth

Though teeth are meant to withstand years of wear and tear, they are prone to damage. Chips, cracks, and fractures are not unheard of in people of all ages. People who use their teeth as a tool to open packages, for example, could find themselves with a fractured tooth. Falls and hard blows to the face can also break teeth. Even poor oral hygiene can cause these visible issues. Ignoring daily brushing and flossing can weaken teeth and make them more prone to damage.

Cavity time

Cavities are perhaps the most common condition that dentists treat. These occur when bacteria cause tiny holes on the teeth. When there are breaks on a tooth, bacteria can enter and cause decay. Small cavities may be unnoticeable to the naked eye, but moderate and severe cavities can be painful. Without treatment, cavities can grow, causing more discomfort and threatening the stability of the tooth.

Abscess

A broken tooth has a high risk of developing an infection, known as an abscess. This occurs when bacteria get into the pulp, which is a chamber that houses the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. An abscess can cause extreme pain and may even contribute to larger health problems, such as circulatory system issues. The infection will spread throughout the mouth and into other parts of the body if a dentist does not treat it.

Tooth loss

As if a broken tooth does not affect a smile enough, think about what a missing tooth would do to it. This embarrassing situation can happen if patients do not address a damaged tooth right away. If a tooth breaks, it is weak and vulnerable to further fracturing, especially if the person eats something hard or takes another blow to the mouth. Even small breaks can weaken the tooth enough to be at risk of falling out.

What the dentist does

If the patient gets to the dentist’s office as soon after breaking the tooth as possible, there is a good chance of saving the tooth. The dentist may perform a root canal to clean out any decay and infection. Then, the dentist will consider whether to place a crown or a veneer over the tooth. For small fractures, a filling may be enough to repair the damage.

Do not delay a visit to the dentist’s office

Never procrastinate a dental appointment if you have a broken tooth. You can spare yourself a lot of pain and embarrassment by treating this issue quickly. A fractured tooth could fall out or become infected, causing significant health concern. With your dentist’s help, you can avoid these problems and have a healthy mouth and smile.

Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.

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