Do you have a chipped tooth that you're worried may become infected? If so, you're not alone. A chipped tooth can cause an infection if left untreated for a long period of time, and the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body if not properly treated. Our highly trained dentists at URBN Dental are here to help. A broken tooth can be caused by tooth decay, and tooth decay can cause infection of the gum or pulp.
If a dental infection develops as a result of a chipped tooth, it can damage the tooth root and endanger the health of the tooth. A chipped tooth cannot improve on its own, and avoiding treatment could result in further damage to the tooth and surrounding area. A broken tooth can range from a major crack in the tooth that leaves the pulp and dentin exposed to just a small splinter. Once a tooth is compromised, bacteria can easily enter and cause an abscess. Once the infection sets in, it can spread and cause pain.
You may notice pain, swelling, or sensitivity to heat and cold. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice pain or discomfort. If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months before the infection spreads to other tissues and causes complications. Nerves are protected by dentin and enamel, but if exposed due to damage, food and bacteria increase the risk of infection. If a splinter or crack is deep, the nerve that rests in the center of the tooth can become infected and die, eventually leading to the need for root canal treatment. Options are available to treat a chipped tooth right away, preventing the worry from worsening and leading to an oral infection.
Repairing a broken tooth quickly may reduce the risk of further damage and infection. Afterwards, it's important to take precautionary measures to protect the tooth and schedule a visit to the dentist as soon as possible to receive the restorative treatment you need for your cracked tooth. Be sure to closely monitor the cracked tooth and monitor it to see if it worsens or if the gums around the tooth begin to swell. Your dentist may also give you antibiotics for a tooth abscess to ensure that it heals properly before finishing the dental repair. You can significantly reduce the risk of dental infection or additional damage to the tooth if you use the cracked tooth as little as possible, keep your mouth clean, and protect the tooth from further damage. If detected early, your dentist can fill the crack or splinter with specialized dental cement to prevent future pain or infection.
No matter what type of broken tooth you have, it's important to seek treatment right away in order to prevent further damage or infection.
