During the holidays, fractured and broken teeth are a common dental emergency. Teeth are incredibly strong, however they are still susceptible to fracture and breaking.
There are many ways someone can fracture or break a tooth. For example a broken or weak filling, trauma to the the tooth, or biting down on something hard or sticky.
A fractured tooth is when a tooth is cracked. There are a variety of symptoms ranging from constant pain to pain that comes and goes, to no noticeable pain at all. You could also experience pain with chewing food to sudden or sharp pain when your tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Cracks can often be repaired with bonding material.
With a broken tooth, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to examine whether your tooth’s nerve has been compromised. This could lead to the need for a root canal. Your dentist’s top priority is to save your tooth and reduce the chance of having to have a root canal.
Minor chips in the teeth don’t always need to be repaired, unless there is pain or cosmetic issues the patient would like fixed.
Be preventative:
*Protect your teeth while engaging in sports. Wear proper mouth guards, helmet, or other protective gear.
*Have your dentist check old fillings to make sure they support the enamel of the tooth. It is also a great idea to keep up on your annual cleanings and check ups to make sure that you do not have cavities that are weakening your teeth, which can lead to breaking.
*Stay away from eating or biting anything that is hard or too chewy.
No matter how hard we try, teeth can break and experience fractures. If you find yourself or a family member in this situation, please call our office (760) 726-4904.
