Breaking a tooth always seems to happen when you least expect it, whether it’s a sudden sports injury or biting down on a popcorn kernel. You may not feel immediate pain, but ignoring the problem can lead to much more complex — and expensive — issues down the road.
At Moskin Dental Associates, we specialize in the evaluation and treatment of broken teeth. Our providers, Kimberly Chan, DDS, and Jeannie Moskin, DDS, have years of experience repairing cracks, chips, and larger fractures, with a focus on preserving your natural tooth structure when possible.
Don’t wait until pain strikes to take action and protect your smile. In this month’s blog, we explain why you should never ignore a broken tooth, no matter how minor it seems.
A chip or crack might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but even a small hairline fracture can leave the rest of your tooth vulnerable. In addition to ongoing pain and sensitivity, an untreated broken tooth can lead to a variety of problems.
A crack in the protective enamel layer allows bacteria from food and saliva to seep into the porous inner layers of the tooth. If bacteria reach the pulp — the live tissue and nerves at the center of the tooth — it can result in a painful infection or abscess that requires a root canal to resolve.
While it may appear stable at first, a fracture compromises the structural integrity of the tooth, affecting its ability to handle daily wear and tear. The stress of continued chewing and exposure to hot and cold temperatures worsens the damage over time, which can eventually lead to a complete break or split.
Untreated dental infections can eventually enter the bloodstream, spreading to the jawbone and into the soft tissues of your face and neck — in rare cases, even your brain. These infections are also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including endocarditis and coronary artery disease.
A broken tooth isn’t always obvious. While some fractures cause immediate, sharp pain and noticeable damage, others may be invisible until you bite down or drink something cold.
If you suspect a break, reach out to the Moskin Dental Associates team immediately for an emergency appointment. Then, take these steps to manage the pain and prevent further damage until you can see a dentist:
If a large piece of the tooth breaks off, try to locate the fragment and keep it moist in a small container of milk as you head to our office. We may be able to reattach it.
Twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings make it easy for our team to catch hidden chips and cracks before they cause major issues. Contact Moskin Dental Associates in Lincoln Square, Chicago, Illinois, to schedule your next appointment and keep your smile in great shape.
