What Happens If You Leave a Broken Tooth Untreated?

Are you experiencing tooth pain due to a broken tooth? Don’t ignore it! Even though teeth are strong, they can break under certain circumstances. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why teeth break and the potential consequences of leaving a broken tooth untreated. Read on to understand the importance of seeking prompt dental care and learn about treatment options available at Dental365, your trusted dental office.

Causes of Tooth Breakage

Teeth can break due to various factors, including:

  • Biting down on hard substances like ice or tough foods 
  • Using teeth as tools for non-dental purposes 
  • Accidental falls or blows to the face 
  • Untreated cavities that weaken tooth structure 
  • Teeth grinding or clenching 
  • Presence of large, old amalgam fillings that do not support the enamel 

Understanding Cracked or Broken Teeth 

Cracked or Broken Teeth: What You Need to Know 

When a tooth cracks or breaks, it requires professional dental care. Here’s what you should understand: 

  • Symptoms of a cracked tooth include pain while chewing or releasing the bite, constant or intermittent pain, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. 
  • Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further damage. 
  • A root canal procedure may be necessary if the crack has reached the tooth’s pulp. 
  • Placement of a dental crown can protect the cracked tooth and prevent the crack from spreading. 
  • Extraction may be the only option if the crack extends below the gum line. 

Can a Broken Tooth be Saved? 

Saving a Broken Tooth: Possibilities and Infections 

A broken tooth resulting from an untreated crack, cavity, or trauma requires immediate dental attention to avoid complications. Consider the following: 

  • Taking immediate steps, such as rinsing the mouth with warm water, applying pressure to bleeding areas, using cold packs, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, can help manage the situation until professional help is available. 
  • Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the extent of damage and may involve a root canal and placement of a dental crown. 
  • In cases where saving the tooth is not possible, extraction is necessary, followed by replacement options like dental bridges or implants. 
  • Delayed treatment allows bacteria to enter the tooth’s soft tissues, potentially leading to an abscess formation and spreading infection. 
  • An abscess can cause severe pain and complications if left untreated, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body. 

Act Now to Save Your Tooth – Dental365 is Here to Help! 

Don’t neglect a broken tooth! Seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage and potential complications. Dental365 offers comprehensive treatment options and emergency services. Contact us today by calling 844-365-DENTAL or filling out the form on this page to schedule an appointment. Our offices are open seven days a week, and we provide affordable care and financing options for your convenience. Trust Dental365 to restore your oral health and preserve your smile.

When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed: Signs, Extraction Procedure, and Recovery

How Long Should I Wait to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed? 

If you’re wondering about the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s typically between the ages of 17 and 25 when these third molars make their appearance. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth, located at the back four corners. While some people experience no dental issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face problems that necessitate their removal. 

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that lacks the necessary space to grow properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, infections, and other dental problems requiring extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform the wisdom tooth removal procedure. 

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Growth 

Wisdom teeth often erupt without any noticeable symptoms, but some signs may indicate their growth: 

  • Mild pain 
  • Feeling of pressure 
  • Dull throbbing in the gums near your throat or jawbone 
  • Gum pain during the tooth eruption 
  • Shifting teeth 
  • Gum tissue flap over the emerging wisdom tooth 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Cold or sore throat sensation for lower wisdom teeth 

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed? 

Many individuals undergo wisdom teeth removal when their teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to erupt or when they develop abnormally. The following conditions may signal the need for removal: 

  • Slanted growth towards the next tooth or back of the mouth 
  • Horizontal growth at a right angle 
  • Straight growth but confined inside the jawbone 

Extraction Procedure 

The procedure for removing your wisdom teeth is very simple and can be comfortably performed by a skilled surgeon under local anesthesia with or without sedation.    

Once the area is sufficiently numbed, the gum tissue is opened and moved aside to provide access to the tooth.  Occasionally, an impacted wisdom tooth may be cut into sections to facilitate removal through a smaller opening.  Once the tooth is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with irrigation and the wound is sutured closed with a dissolving suture.  

Post operative care after wisdom teeth removal consists of ice, elevation, gauze pressure, anti-inflammatory medications as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.  The normal healing time from wisdom teeth removal is 3-5 days.   

Post-operative care will be early discussed with you following your procedure. 

Recovery Process after Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

After the procedure, follow these recovery instructions: 

  • Regularly replace the gauze. 
  • Avoid strenuous activities and lying flat to prevent prolonged bleeding. Contact your doctor if bleeding persists after 24 hours. 
  • Use pillows to keep your head elevated when resting. 
  • Consult your doctor for over the counter or prescription pain medication options. 
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent dry sockets, which is the loss of blood clots at the surgical site. Stick to soft foods and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot. 
  • Swelling and bruising may persist for several days, but using ice packs can help reduce these symptoms. Bruising might last a few days longer. 

At Dental365, we offer world-class and compassionate dental care. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about wisdom teeth removal.