Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A broken tooth may not seem like a big deal if it doesn’t involve bleeding or pain. However, it’s actually cause for concern — and a dental emergency. If you have a broken tooth, here’s what you need to know to avoid more serious problems.

Trying to figure out when something is an “emergency” can seem tricky, especially when it doesn’t involve a traumatic event or severe bleeding.

However, dental emergencies are actually fairly straightforward.

Basically, you should consider anything that puts your teeth or gums at risk of damage an issue that requires attention immediately.

One good example involves a broken tooth.

Dr. Robert A. Scherrer offers emergency dentistry services at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

When in doubt, Dr. Scherrer recommends erring on the side of caution. A phone call to his office can provide expert guidance on how to move forward with an unexpected dental issue.

If you have a broken tooth, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to reach out.

Why to consider a broken tooth a dental emergency

A broken tooth is the perfect example of a dental emergency. Why?

Because it may not seem dangerous or severe, but they can still cause serious problems when ignored.

When people experience a break that causes pain, bleeding, or a lost portion of a tooth, they often reach for the phone to call the dentist.

But, even minor damage can put the remaining tooth at risk — no pain or bleeding required.

That’s because the smallest chips or cracks leave the tooth vulnerable to bacteria, which can cause decay and infection.

Emergency dentistry services help you avoid dental complications by ensuring you get the treatment you need to prevent the situation from worsening.

Common treatments for broken teeth vary, depending on the damage, such as:

Polishing or smoothing broken edges
Filling gaps with dental bonding
Root canals
Extraction
Oral surgery

Since treatments become more extensive based on the damage, it’s crucial to seek care as soon as you experience a problem.

What to do when you break a tooth

If you break a tooth, contact our office and follow these simple steps.

First, rinse your mouth with warm water as quickly as possible. Then, apply pressure and press a cold compress to the area. This helps to stop bleeding and reduce swelling while you wait for treatment.

Finally, if part of your tooth broke off entirely, don’t toss it. Instead, wrap it in wet gauze and bring it to your emergency dental appointment.

When you contact our office, our team can provide additional instructions on how to proceed based on your tooth and symptoms.

During your appointment, Dr. Scherrer can determine the extent of damage. This often includes performing X-rays, which can detect problems deep inside the tooth and gums.

After assessing your tooth, Dr. Scherrer can outline the best course of treatment moving forward.

Remember, even minor breaks can put your tooth at risk. Play it safe and contact Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for emergency dentistry services from Robert A. Scherrer, DMD.