Having a broken or chipped tooth can be a painful experience, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental problems. So it’s critical to know whether a broken tooth is a dental emergency or not.
A broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons such as:
- biting on hard foods
- sports injuries
- accidents
- grinding your teeth
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to seek dental treatment immediately.
What happens when a tooth breaks?
When a tooth is chipped or broken, it can expose the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth, causing severe pain. Additionally, a broken tooth can make it difficult to eat or talk properly, leading to discomfort and embarrassment.
Ignoring a broken or chipped tooth can encourage food to get stuck in the gaps, allowing bacteria to grow and work their way to the root of the tooth, leading to an infection or abscess. This can be a serious condition that requires emergency dental care.
Depending on the severity of the damage, dental treatment may vary from a simple dental filling to more complex procedures such as root canals or temporary crowns. A split tooth or one with a jagged edge may require more extensive dental treatment.
To prevent a broken tooth, it’s vital to maintain good dental hygiene, avoid biting on hard foods, and wear a mouthguard during sports activities. If you grind your teeth, speak with your Cairns dentist about getting a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
What should I do if my tooth breaks?
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, please contact us as soon as possible. We can provide you with the necessary emergency dental care to alleviate the pain and prevent further damage. Be sure to treat it before the problem becomes more serious and expensive.
Remember that quick action can help prevent tooth infections and abscesses and save you from costly and painful dental procedures in the future.
CALL US on 07 40323236 and be seen immediately, at Cairns Dental Boutique, we’re always here to help!