Few things cause immediate alarm like the sensation of a tooth suddenly cracking or breaking. When it happens, you need to know what you’re dealing with — is it a minor inconvenience or a dental emergency?
For comprehensive evaluation and treatment of broken teeth, see Kimberly Chan, DDS, at Moskin Dental Associates. Dr. Chan offers effective solutions for preserving your smile and preventing complications after a chip, crack, or break.
As the hardest tissue in the human body, tooth enamel provides a great deal of protection, but it’s not indestructible. Here, we explain when a broken tooth needs immediate treatment and what you can do to keep minor damage from becoming a major problem.
Whether it’s the result of an injury, accident, or simply biting down on a hard piece of food, a broken tooth can happen to anyone. Underlying issues like tooth decay or bruxism (tooth grinding) weaken enamel, making teeth more susceptible to breakage.
Ignoring severe symptoms, even for a short time, puts you at risk of infection, nerve damage, and tooth loss. See Dr. Chan immediately if you experience:
If you’re dealing with a severe crack or break, Dr. Chan may perform a root canal to save the tooth, followed by a crown to restore its strength and appearance. Should removal be necessary, we can guide you through options for restoring your smile, including dental implants.
Not every chip or crack is an emergency. However, seemingly insignificant damage can still leave your tooth vulnerable.
The newly exposed area may allow bacteria to invade, potentially leading to increased sensitivity, decay, or infection. Even a tiny hairline crack can grow deeper over time, weakening the tooth until it eventually breaks.
Seek prompt treatment for any kind of tooth damage, whether it’s causing pain or not. Addressing these concerns early is the best way to keep your smile healthy and prevent more complicated — and more costly — procedures down the road.
While there’s no doubt a broken tooth can be alarming, try not to panic. You can take steps to manage the situation until you can get to our office.
First, gently rinse your mouth to clear out any debris and clean the area. If there’s any bleeding, apply a piece of gauze or a clean cloth with light pressure. To help with swelling and discomfort, taking over-the-counter pain relievers or applying a cold compress to your cheek can be effective.
If you’re dealing with a large break or a fully knocked-out tooth, save any pieces you can find and carefully rinse off any debris. Store them between your cheek and gum, or in whole milk, until you can see Dr. Chan.
Consistent, proactive dental care is the most effective way to avoid oral health complications. Contact Moskin Dental Associates in Lincoln Square, Chicago, Illinois, for professional assessment and guidance.
