While cavities are a major dental health concern, so are broken teeth. Breaking a tooth is a common experience, but it still can be painful and traumatic. The good news is that it’s possible to fix a broken molar or incisor. To help you understand a bit more about how professionals fix a broken tooth, check out these FAQs.
What causes a broken tooth?
A number of injuries or ailments can lead to a broken tooth. Some common causes include a fall, a physical injury, and chewing a piece of hard food. Some people are more prone to broken teeth than others, and common risk factors including grinding teeth, poor dental health, and previous cavities.
Does a broken tooth need to be fixed?
The short answer is yes! A broken tooth is a major dental concern that requires professional attention and treatment. Even if the tooth isn’t causing any pain, it still needs to be repaired.
If left untreated, broken teeth can lead to serious complications including infection, severe pain, and difficulties eating and drinking. Also, the longer a broken tooth is left untreated, the greater the chance dentists will be unable to save the tooth.
Is a tooth considered broken even if nothing is missing?
If you hit your tooth but don’t notice a chip or any pain, it’s still possible that the tooth is broken. Internal fractures of the tooth are possible, even if you can’t see any damage with the naked eye. It’s likely that these fractures will lead to more damage over time, so prompt treatment is crucial to maintaining the appearance and health of the tooth.
What are the symptoms of a broken tooth?
Not all broken teeth produce the same symptoms. However, all generally exhibit at least one of the following symptoms:
- Visible deformation such as a chip or a crack in a tooth.
- Pain in a certain tooth while eating and/or drinking.
- Swelling and/or bleeding around a tooth.
How do dentists treat a broken tooth?
The treatment method for a broken tooth depends on the affected tooth, past patient history, and the severity of the break. Some treatment methods include fillings, crowns, and caps, but each dentist will choose a treatment method right for each situation.
Breaking a tooth isn’t a pleasant experience, but it’s something most people experience sooner or later. To help fix a broken tooth, seek professional help as soon as possible.