Damage to the teeth can occur in different ways and the extent of the damage can range from minor to extensive. A minor chip may not require treatment, but any other type of injury should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and ultimately, tooth loss. It's important to make an appointment with your Dallas dentist for proper evaluation and treatment if a tooth has broken.
Since a severely chipped tooth often leaves the internal structure of the tooth exposed, it is more vulnerable to tooth decay and infection. It could damage the nerve of the tooth or even an abscess can form, which is extremely dangerous to your health. When a tooth breaks, it is not a universal type of fissure and the different variations of a broken tooth require a different approach. This structurally weakens the tooth and, because of that, causes the tooth to break completely.
A cracked tooth can range from a simple splinter on the outside of the enamel to complete tooth breakage, leaving pulp and dentin exposed. It may seem strange, but even old fillings or restorations designed to strengthen and protect teeth can cause a chipped or broken tooth. The condition of a chipped or cracked tooth will be painful and will bring you the need to address the problem before arriving at the dentist's office. You can consider yourself lucky if you have a chipped or cracked tooth that doesn't bother you intensely and allows you the flexibility to wait until your dentist is available during normal working hours.
If you delay or even skip the appointment, the broken or chipped tooth can end up infected and cause irreversible damage. Cavities create holes that weaken teeth from the inside, increasing the risk of breaking or chipping once the tooth can no longer withstand biting and chewing. Symptoms of a fractured tooth include pain when chewing and releasing the bite, constant pain or pain that comes and goes, and sudden pain when the cracked tooth is exposed to high or cold temperatures. Your dentist will consider some options, depending on the damage and the previous condition of the chipped or cracked tooth. It's important to remember that leaving a broken or chipped tooth untreated can put you at risk for other, more serious problems if it's not corrected quickly.
Food getting stuck inside can cause acute infections, while leaving it exposed increases its vulnerability to decay and infection. If you experience any symptoms of a fractured tooth, it's best to seek professional help as soon as possible.
