How long can a broken tooth go untreated?
Teeth “dead” or without blood flow are considered dead because they cannot support life. Many terms can be used to describe dead teeth. These include “non-vital tooth” or “necrotic root.”
It’s easy to see how a broken tooth will fall out by itself. This can cause serious damage to your jaw and other teeth. It can take days, weeks, or even years for the tooth to fall out, depending on how severe the damage is. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wait for the inevitable. Your dentist should be consulted immediately after you notice the tooth’s death.
It is generally impossible to determine if a tooth has died by looking at it. A dentist will give you a diagnosis rather than trying to figure it out or guess—another reason to have regular dental check-ups.
There are two signs you should see a dentist check your teeth: discomfort or pain and changing color.
Sometimes, pain can signify that the pulp has become infected or that the tooth nerves are dying. Many people believe the nerve will cease to function once it dies. The pain isn’t from the inside of the tooth. It comes from the nerve endings outside the tooth. These nerve endings are known as the periodontal membrane.
What happens if you leave a cracked tooth untreated?
A dentist should be consulted immediately if a tooth has broken. Cracked teeth can lead to more serious dental problems.
Bacteria can spread from a cracked tooth to other teeth. This can lead to an infection or an abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, leading to serious health problems. A broken tooth can cause nerve damage, leading to a root canal.
Do I have to leave a broken tooth alone?
It is essential to treat a broken tooth immediately. A broken tooth should not be left untreated. A broken tooth can lead to acute infections.
Abscesses are fluid-filled sacs containing bacteria, plaque, and pus that can develop in teeth at high risk for infection. Abscesses can be painful and potentially dangerous for the body, as the infection could get into the bloodstream. Untreated broken teeth can lead to infection in surrounding teeth, which could impact overall health.
It is always best to make repairs immediately. The more time you wait for treatment, the more expensive it could become. For immediate care, crowning or capping damaged parts could be an option. Pulling your teeth could be an option if you have a more severe infection.
How to deal with a tooth that has fallen out?
A minor chip in a tooth usually won’t cause problems. Your dentist can still fill the gap and smoothen the tooth to prevent your lip or tongue from getting caught on the sharp edge. More attention will be required for severely fractured or broken teeth.
Cavities can lead to a broken tooth. Infection of the gums or pulp can also cause tooth decay. In this case, root canal treatment might be necessary.
Root canal treatment is not recommended for cracked or chipped teeth. The space will be sealed and the inflamed pulp removed. The dentist can fill the cracks or chips with special tooth cement if caught early enough to prevent further pain or infection. The dentist will then roughen the tooth’s surfaces so the cement can bond. The dentist will then add tooth-colored resin. To repair a crack in a tooth, the bonding material hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.
If you have a broken tooth, it is possible not to feel any pain immediately. However, this doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be treated. It doesn’t matter how minor; it’s essential to call your dentist directly. For good oral health, it is important to visit the dentist regularly. Infections can develop quickly, so ensure you get trusted treatment immediately for cracked teeth.
How and why do teeth fall?
These are some ways that teeth can be broken:
- Hard food such as ice or hard food can be hard to eat.
- Use your teeth to remove clothing tags or hold items in your hands.
- Falling
- A blow to the mouth or face
- Untreated cavities can weaken your tooth.
- You can grind or clench your teeth
- Large, old amalgam fillings which don’t support enamel from the rest of your tooth
How can you treat a broken or cracked tooth?
Cracked teeth can result from wear and tear or injury. A cracked tooth cannot be treated at home. Instead, a dentist should take care of it. Cracked teeth can cause pain in your mouth when you chew or open your bite. They also may experience sudden or constant pain when exposed to cold or hot temperatures.
You can save a chipped tooth better if you act quickly. Otherwise, the damage will only get worse. A root canal procedure can treat a crack that has reached the tooth’s pulp. A crown can prevent the crack from growing. It can’t be saved if the crack extends below your gum line.
Can a tooth that has been broken be saved? Can it get infected?
Broken teeth can result from an untreated crack or cavity, trauma, such as a fall, or an untreated fracture. What is the fastest time to visit a dentist to fix a broken tooth? The dentist should treat it as soon as possible.
These steps will help you get to the dentist as soon as possible.
- Warm water is sufficient to rinse your mouth.
- Apply pressure with a tea bag or gauze to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold pack on the lips or cheeks.
- Use an over-the-counter pain relief medication.
The extent of damage to a tooth will determine the treatment you receive. If the root of your tooth has been exposed, a root canal may be required. A crown may also be required. If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted and replaced by a bridge or dental filling.
