When a Broken Tooth Is Considered a Dental Emergency

Suffering a broken tooth can be debilitating. Read on to discover when a broken tooth is considered to be a dental emergency and what to do if it ever happens to you. The teeth may be strong, but if subjected to significant force or trauma, they can break; common causes include biting on hard items, a blow to the face, a bad fall, or severe decay that weakens the tooth’s structure.

When a broken tooth is an emergency

A chipped or broken tooth is not necessarily a dental emergency unless the patient is in severe pain or bleeding. However, it is important to contact a dentist immediately after the incident for an appointment. It is advisable to check the extent of the damage, whether it is a partial chip or full breakage.

The dentist will examine the tooth carefully and recommend the best way to proceed. If the chip is minor, they will smoothen the edges. However, for larger breakages, the dental professional will typically have to apply composite material to restore the tooth’s structure and match it to the remaining teeth.

If the tooth is severely damaged — such as from a split tooth, broken root, severe break, or decay-induced damage — the repair process may take more time. For severe breakages where saving the tooth structure is impossible or unrealistic, especially for fractures along the gum line, it is better to extract the tooth. If the tooth can be saved, the dentist will perform a root canal and cover the tooth with a dental crown to protect and support it.

What to do if you have a broken tooth

If part of the tooth has fallen out or if the tooth is knocked out, this is a dental emergency, and patients need to see the dentist on the same day. While waiting for the dental appointment, it is advisable to rinse the mouth with warm salted water and put some pressure on the injury to reduce or stop the bleeding. Applying an ice pack can alleviate swelling, but avoid using aspirin for pain since it may worsen the bleeding.

If the tooth has come off the socket, find and rinse it, taking care not to touch the roots. The tooth should get dry, so preserve it in milk or saltwater until the dental appointment. The dentist will check whether the broken tooth can be saved or needs complete replacement.

When patients experience a broken tooth, they often get upset and panic. It is important to stay calm. Most chipped teeth are more of a cosmetic than a functional problem. Since dental emergencies tend to occur without warning, it is better to contact a dentist as soon as possible for help.

Do you currently have a broken tooth?

A broken tooth may not be a dental emergency, but it is advisable to visit a dentist promptly and have it checked. Something that could be a minor cosmetic issue may eventually worsen without proper intervention. The dentist will repair the tooth and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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