Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Emergency Denist Carlsbad, CA

Breaking a tooth can feel like a dental emergency. Sometimes a tooth is broken as the result of a fall or unexpected collision with a hard object. In other cases, a tooth can chip on something seemingly harmless like a crouton in a salad. Is it necessary to visit an emergency dental office in the Carlsbad area if a tooth is broken? Can anything be done to repair a broken tooth? Continue reading for answers to these questions and advice on appropriate procedures.

Assess the damage

It makes a big difference in the level of emergency if the tooth is chipped or has fallen out completely. It can be a good idea to use a mirror to look at the extent of the damage instead of feeling around with the tongue to avoid cutting it on sharp edges.  

Broken or chipped tooth

A broken or chipped tooth is typically not cause for a dental emergency. Because there is not a permanent way to glue parts of a chipped or broken tooth back together, there is typically no urgency to try to save the tooth. It can still be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist at the earliest convenient time to make sure the chip does not get any worse.

Missing tooth

A knocked-out tooth can sometimes be saved if it does not dry out and is kept clean. This can constitute a dental emergency, as there is a time limit on how long a tooth can remain viable while detached. Excessive bleeding from a tooth that has been broken or knocked out is almost always considered a dental emergency and should be taken care of immediately.

Determine a course of action

Regardless of whether the tooth is chipped, broken or missing, a dentist should be consulted quickly. A treatment plan can only be recommended after a dental evaluation is done.

Minor issues

In mild cases, a chip is small enough to be smoothed out. Other instances require the break to be filled. Filing or filling a tooth is usually a fairly simple procedure and does not involve multiple visits.

Major issues

Severe breaks can necessitate a cap or crown. Root canals may be performed on patients with a missing crown but intact root. Because chewing on a chipped or broken tooth can make the condition worse, it is crucial not to assume the issue is merely cosmetic or delay dental consultation. This can lead to a small chip turning into a larger break that requires more intensive repair.

Conclusion

When a tooth is broken or gets knocked out, the level of urgency is determined by the severity of the issue. While it may not be a dental emergency, a dentist appointment should still be scheduled fairly soon for any broken or chipped tooth. A compromised tooth that is left untreated for an extended period of time can result in additional damage to the tooth or other parts of the mouth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.idaalfonsodental.com or call Ida Alfonso, DMD at (760) 931-0144 for an appointment in our Carlsbad office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Carlsbad, CA.

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