A Broken Tooth Should Get Prompt Treatment
A broken tooth might seem like something you can put off dealing with, especially if it isn’t causing much pain. But ignoring a broken tooth is one of those dental decisions that tends to get more costly and complicated the longer you wait. If you’re in the San Antonio area and dealing with a cracked or broken tooth, Comfort Dental Babcock is your same-day dentist San Antonio residents can count on for fast, affordable care.
Why Teeth Break
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they’re not indestructible. Common causes of a broken tooth include biting down on something hard (like ice, hard candy, or an olive pit), a sports injury or facial trauma, untreated decay that weakens the tooth structure from the inside, and old or large fillings that leave a tooth more vulnerable over time. Sometimes a tooth breaks with no obvious cause at all, particularly if decay has been progressing quietly beneath the surface.
What Happens to an Untreated Broken Tooth
When you leave a broken tooth unaddressed, a predictable chain of events tends to unfold. Here’s what you can expect if you delay treatment:
- Increased pain and sensitivity: Even if a broken tooth doesn’t hurt right away, the exposed inner layers of the tooth, called dentin and pulp, are vulnerable to temperature changes, pressure, and bacteria. Pain typically worsens over time.
- Infection: Bacteria can enter through the break and infect the pulp of the tooth, leading to an abscess. A dental abscess is a serious condition that causes significant pain, swelling, and in some cases fever. Left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth.
- The crack or break can grow: Chewing puts pressure on teeth constantly. A small crack in a broken tooth can spread further into the root with ongoing use, turning a manageable repair into a much bigger problem.
- Damage to surrounding teeth and tissue: Jagged edges from a broken tooth can cut the tongue, cheek, or gums. Neighboring teeth may also shift or suffer wear from changes in how you bite.
- Tooth loss: In the most severe cases, an untreated broken tooth may not be salvageable at all, requiring extraction. Losing a tooth creates its own set of long-term concerns, including bone loss in the jaw and shifting of the remaining teeth.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
The good news is that most broken teeth can be treated successfully, especially when you act quickly. The right treatment depends on the severity of the break.
- Dental bonding: For minor chips and cracks, tooth-colored composite resin can be shaped and bonded to the tooth to restore its appearance and protect the exposed area.
- Dental crown: A crown covers the entire visible portion of a broken tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring full function. Comfort Dental Babcock offers zirconium crowns, which are strong, durable, and natural-looking.
- Root canal treatment: If the break has reached the pulp of the tooth and infection is present, a root canal removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth so it can be crowned and kept. Root canals have an undeserved reputation for being painful; modern techniques make the procedure quite manageable.
- Extraction and implant: When a broken tooth is too damaged to save, extraction followed by a dental implant is often the best path forward. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What to Do Right After a Tooth Breaks
If you break a tooth, there are some immediate steps you can take before you’re seen by a dentist. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and steer clear of very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks that may aggravate sensitivity. If you can find the broken piece of tooth, save it and bring it to your appointment.
Most importantly, don’t wait to be seen. A broken tooth is not a cosmetic inconvenience; it’s a dental issue with real health consequences.
See Us Today
Comfort Dental is the same-day dentist San Antonio patients trust for emergency dental care, including broken teeth, at prices that won’t add financial stress to an already stressful situation. Dr. Peter Mailhot and Dr. Yana Kuznetsova are here to help you get out of pain and protect your smile. Call (210) 904-2888 or request an appointment. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., so there’s rarely a reason to wait on a broken tooth.