What Happens If a Broken Tooth Goes Untreated?

broken tooth Benicia, CA

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.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

General Dentist Tips For Tooth Pain

A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…

The Steps Of A Dental Crown Restoration

If you have an extensively decayed tooth or the filling applied is too big for your tooth to support it, your dentist will probably recommend putting in a dental crowns. This is a prosthesis designed to look like a natural tooth, but it is hollow inside to fit over the damaged tooth. In addition to…

Possible Complications Of Root Canals And How To Avoid Them

Root canals effectively treat infections or damage inside a tooth, offering a chance to save the tooth and restore oral health. While these procedures are widely successful, understanding the potential risks can help patients feel more confident and prepared. Knowing how to avoid complications is important in ensuring the best possible outcome.Root canals involve carefully…

Emergency Dentist Vs. Oral Surgeons

An emergency dentist is vital when unexpected dental problems arise, providing immediate care to address pain, damage, and other urgent issues. Comparing an emergency dentist to an oral surgeon is important for understanding which professional can best meet a patient's needs. While both play critical roles in maintaining oral health, their training, focus, and treatment…

Recent Posts

General Dentist Tips For Tooth Pain

General Dentist Tips For Tooth Pain

A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…

The Steps Of A Dental Crown Restoration

The Steps Of A Dental Crown Restoration

If you have an extensively decayed tooth or the filling applied is too big for your tooth to support it, your dentist will probably recommend putting in a dental crowns. This is a prosthesis designed to look like a natural tooth, but it is hollow inside to fit over the damaged tooth. In addition to…