Surely nobody wants this, but a broken tooth causes problems and we must act quickly.
The breaking tooth is a common problem that both a child and an adult are vulnerable to. Often experienced as a traumatic situation, a broken tooth really hurts a lot. The fracture can be related to several factors and the damage can be more or less important depending on your teeth condition and the injury.
In this article we tell you what to do in case of a broken tooth. One thing is certain, do not delay in consulting your dentist so that he can make a diagnosis and suggest the appropriate treatment.
Broken Tooth: What Are the Causes?
It can very quickly happen that we break a tooth, most often the one in front unfortunately. Like permanent teeth, primary (baby) teeth also break in children. The fracture can be related to several factors. Here are those that are mostly recurrent:
- A stupid accident or a shock after a fall
- Trauma to the jaw as a result of a blow received while you were practicing for example a sports activity (hence the importance of a mouthguard)
- Chewing food that is too hard
- A cavity that drags on, or left untreated
- A devitalized tooth
- Teeth grinding or bruxism occurring more frequently at night
- Teeth aging in older people
Most often associated with a fall, more commonly in children, a broken tooth can have several other causes.
Thus, it is not unusual to notice it during chewing food that is too hard (hard treat, unpopped popcorn grain, etc.). Neglect of a cavity can also cause teeth to fracture. In fact, tooth enamel decays over time, which leads to a partial fracture of the tooth. As you age, this also increases the risk of a tooth fracture or crack. This phenomenon is also noticeable in older people.
These few aspects finally show that it is essential to visit your dentist regularly for an examination and cleaning of your teeth.
What to Do if a Tooth Breaks?
It is essential to act quickly in the event of a tooth fracture, whether it happens on weekdays or weekends. Indeed, there may be hidden lesions that are not suspected. These lesions can be located at the root or pulp. You are also at significant risk of biting your tongue with your broken tooth. The best solution is to act as quickly as possible to reduce the pain and allow the dentist to repair it more easily if possible. If not, he will suggest treatment. We will discuss about that later.
The first reflex is to contact your dentist who can find an emergency slot in his agenda. A consultation with the dentist is necessary within 24 hours after the accident.
How to Relieve Pain?
A few simple gestures can help you soothe the painful condition of your tooth. You should rinse the inside of your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses on the outer part for a few minutes to limit swelling.
Even better, do not wait, consult your dentist immediately he will be able to relieve you as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and Treatment of a Broken Tooth
Your dentist will make a diagnosis after an X-ray and a cold vitality test. This allows the professional to detect possible lesions in the nerve or root of the tooth.
Regarding care and treatment, there are several. Treatment will depend on the size of the crack on your tooth or fracture and where it is. Possible treatments to repair a broken tooth are:
- Tooth polishing
- Root canal treatment
- The installation of a crown
- Tooth extraction
- Dental implant placement
Your dentist is the best person to tell you the appropriate treatment. Each situation being unique, he will explain to you what he intends to do with your broken tooth.
Finally, the broken tooth must be treated quickly. Beyond the strictly aesthetic aspect, it is your oral health that is at stake.
Consult the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville team who can repair your tooth or suggest the optimal treatment under the circumstances. Make an appointment now for a quick consultation. A dedicated team awaits you.