When a broken tooth is a dental emergency
Not every broken tooth consists of a dental emergency, but some situations are urgent and require prompt attention. Below are clear signs that you’re dealing with a dental emergency:
1. Severe pain
If the pain from your broken tooth is intense or persistent, it’s a sign that the tooth’s inner pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) may be exposed or damaged. This can lead to infection and requires immediate treatment to prevent further complications, like an abscess.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding from the tooth or gums following a break is a red flag. This usually indicates damage beyond the enamel layer, possibly affecting the tooth’s nerves or blood vessels.
3. Exposed nerve
When a tooth breaks deeply enough to expose the nerve, you’ll likely experience sharp, intense pain, especially when consuming hot or cold food and drinks. This type of break requires urgent care to cover the nerve and prevent infection.
4. Loose tooth
A broken tooth that feels loose or is moving in the socket is an emergency. This could indicate damage to the root or the surrounding bone. Quick intervention can sometimes save the tooth and prevent long-term damage.
5. Swelling or infection
If you notice swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth following a break, you might have an infection. This should concern us you is it can lead to more extensive health issues if not addressed quickly. Dentists can prescribe antibiotics or perform treatments to control the infection.
6. Missing a large piece of the tooth
A significant portion of the tooth breaking off leaves the inner layers, including the dentin and pulp, vulnerable to bacteria. If a large chunk of your tooth is missing, booking an urgent appointment can help avoid further damage.
What to do while waiting for emergency treatment
If you experience a dental emergency, there are steps you can take before you get to the dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover any sharp edges.
- If the tooth fragment is saved, store it in milk or saliva to preserve it until you can see the dentist.
Conclusion
In the case of a broken tooth, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. While some fractures can wait for a scheduled dental appointment, pain, bleeding, or signs of infection should never be ignored.
Even if there is no pain or bleeding,, you may need to be repaired to protect your oral health in the long run. Regardless of how little you believe the problem to be, it’s always better to call your dentist immediately to be safe.
Dealing with a broken tooth?
A dental emergency like a broken molar should not be left for a regular dental appointment. At Hermes Dentists London,, expert dental practitioners are on hand to leave you no doubt that you receive friendly, professional and impeccable service every time. For any emergency and out-of-hours appointments, get in contact today.
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