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A broken tooth might not seem like an immediate cause for concern, especially if it doesn’t hurt at first. However, neglecting to fix a broken tooth can lead to serious oral health issues down the line. Whether caused by an injury, tooth decay, or a sudden accident, ignoring a broken tooth can affect not only your smile but also your overall health.
Here’s what happens when you leave a broken tooth untreated, and why seeking an emergency dentist’s help as soon as possible is crucial.
Don’t Wait! Here’s Why You Should Fix A Broken Tooth Fast
1. More Risk of Infection
One of the most immediate concerns with a broken tooth is the exposure of the tooth’s inner layers, including the pulp. This can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to infection. If the infection spreads, it could cause an abscess, resulting in swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.
Did you know? Over 40% of people who leave a broken tooth untreated develop an infection, which may require more extensive dental procedures.
2. Chronic Pain & Sensitivity
Even if the break doesn’t initially hurt, the sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can worsen over time. As the tooth continues to deteriorate, you may start experiencing constant pain. A broken tooth can expose sensitive nerves, making daily activities like eating and drinking difficult.
3. Worse of The Crack
A broken tooth will rarely stay as it is. Without treatment, the crack can spread deeper into the tooth, compromising its structure. This may eventually lead to the need for more extensive dental work, such as a root canal, or even tooth extraction if the break reaches the root.
4. Tooth Loss
When a broken tooth goes untreated for too long, it can lead to tooth loss. The structure of the tooth becomes weaker, and it may crumble or fall out completely. In some cases, the damage is so severe that no amount of dental work can restore the tooth, resulting in a need for tooth extraction.
5. Damage to Surrounding Teeth
A broken tooth can affect the alignment of your bite, putting extra pressure on surrounding teeth. Over time, this can cause those teeth to shift or become damaged. This ripple effect can lead to other dental issues, such as jaw pain, misalignment, or tooth wear.
6. Aesthetic Concerns
A broken tooth can be unsightly, impacting the appearance of your smile. If the tooth is in a visible area, it can cause you to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Fortunately, seeing an emergency dentist in Ripon promptly can help preserve both the health and aesthetics of your smile, with options like crowns or bonding to restore the tooth.
7. Difficulty Eating and Speaking
Depending on where the broken tooth is located, you may find it difficult to chew food or speak properly. This can interfere with your daily life and make eating or socializing uncomfortable. Getting prompt treatment can help alleviate these issues and get you back to normal quickly.
8. Costly and Lengthy Treatment Later On
Ignoring a broken tooth may save you time and discomfort in the short term, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more likely it is that the problem will worsen, leading to more complicated (and expensive) treatments, such as root canals, crowns, or even tooth extractions.
Why Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
An emergency dentist is your best option when it comes to a broken tooth. They specialize in handling urgent dental issues, and they can address the problem quickly to prevent further damage. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or any other symptoms of a broken tooth, don’t wait for it to worsen—seek help right away.
Whether you need a simple filling, a crown, or more advanced treatment, an emergency dentist can provide you with options that will restore your tooth’s function and appearance. The sooner you act, the less likely you are to experience complications down the line.
A broken tooth may not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can lead to more serious consequences. From infections and chronic pain to tooth loss and costly treatments, delaying dental care can affect your overall oral health. If you’ve gone through a broken tooth, don’t wait—contact our emergency dentist immediately for treatment and peace of mind.
