Is a cracked tooth an emergency?

A broken tooth often warrants a visit to an emergency dental office. In fact, tooth fractures are one of the most common dental emergencies.

When does a broken tooth become an emergency?

If it is a small chip, we may simply smooth it out. For a larger break, the dentist may fill in the space with a composite material that matches your other teeth. If you are in severe pain, are bleeding excessively, have a major break, or have lost a tooth, that is a dental emergency and you should contact us.

Is it OK to leave a cracked tooth?

Even if your broken tooth doesn't hurt, you shouldn't leave it untreated. There could be many more severe underlying issues that you are at increased risk of. One of the most alarming possible side effects of a broken tooth is that food detritus can get trapped inside, leading to bad infections.

Can I go to the ER for a cracked tooth?

There is no straight answer for when a broken tooth is a dental emergency. It depends on the severity of the breakage. For example, while minor chips can wait, a major breakage can cause so much pain that instant dental intervention is necessary. The dentist can always make room to attend to the emergency.

When is a cracked molar an emergency?

The most common signs that indicate that a cracked tooth may be a dental emergency include a visible sign of a severe crack, pain while biting down or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swollen gums, or aching tooth pain that lasts for an extended period of time or suddenly worsens.

Chipped and CRACKED TOOTH - How do teeth break? ©

How urgent is a split tooth?

While broken teeth are a serious matter, there are two types of fractures that are considered non-emergencies. These tooth fractures do not require an immediate trip to a dentist or emergency room: minor tooth fractures or chipped teeth. There is no threat to your overall health and well-being.

How urgent is a cracked molar?

Although cracked molars may not feel like an emergency if you're not in pain, they require urgent treatment. Any cracked tooth has the potential to become an emergency at a moment's notice.

What is an example of a dental emergency?

Virtually any dental pain that the patient is preoccupied with can be defined as a dental emergency. A broken tooth, infected gums, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures could qualify as an emergency.

Should I brush a cracked tooth?

When you crack your tooth make sure to clean the area and keep sugar and decay-causing foods away from the tooth as much as possible. Do this by brushing your teeth, gently, after it has cracked. If it is too painful to brush, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.

What does a dentist do for a cracked tooth?

If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.

Can a cracked tooth lead to infection?

Infection: A cracked tooth that is left untreated for a duration of time can result in a pulp infection. This requires immediate treatment, as infection can spread to the gums and bone. Besides swelling, you may notice fever, increased pain, tender glands, and bad breath.

Does a cracked tooth always need a root canal?

The most common cause of front-tooth fracture is trauma or physical injury. For fractures where the tooth pulp is not affected, a root canal will not be necessary, except if patients show signs of pulpitis (pulp infection). If the pulp gets exposed due to breakage, a root canal will certainly be necessary.

Why does my broken tooth not hurt?

For many people, pain drives them to the dental chair with a tooth injury. However, a cracked or chipped tooth doesn't always hurt. If the break in your tooth doesn't reach the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth which contains the tooth's nerve endings—it likely won't hurt.

What do you do if your tooth cracks in half?

If your tooth cracks in half, call your dental office immediately to set up an appointment. Make sure to let them know, your tooth is cracked in half. A broken tooth is not something you should put off. It could get worse and become infected.

What should you not do with a broken tooth?

Be careful not to scrub or irritate the area as it may cause pain or increase bleeding. Just hold steady pressure on the tooth or gums with minimal movement. If the bleeding is excessive, call 9-1-1 or go to the closest emergency room immediately. Your injuries may be more severe than just a broken tooth.

What is the most common dental emergency?

Having a toothache is the most common dental emergency. It can be caused from a possible cavity or even teeth grinding. If you happen to have a toothache, rinse your mouth out with warm water and floss the area to see if any food or anything else might be stuck that's causing irritation.

What is counted as a dental emergency?

Severe dental pain – If you are in severe dental pain an emergency dental appointment could provide the necessary care to relieve your dental pain. Uncontrolled Bleeding from the mouth – Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth is considered a dental emergency and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?

What happens if you ignore a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth is a perfect nesting ground for bacteria. If left untreated, a buildup of bacteria increases the risk of infection or abscess. An abscess is an infection that develops deep inside the tooth. Often, an abscess results in the tooth creating pus, swelling, and a severe toothache.

Does a cracked tooth need a crown?

If a tooth is cracked, it is a serious condition and does usually require a crown. Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal. Vertical cracks that travel to the gumline may require a full-coverage crown.

When can a tooth not be saved?

However, saving your tooth is not always possible. If your tooth is cracked or broken due to trauma, especially below the gum line, there may not be any way to preserve the tooth.

Why is a cracked tooth so painful?

A cracked tooth hurts because beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin is the soft pulp of the tooth. When your tooth is cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces and may irritate the pulp. If this continues, the pulp may become so damaged that it will not be able to heal itself.

Can a cracked tooth cause sepsis?

If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly — but you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked tooth?

Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth. A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500.

What is the cheapest way to fix a broken tooth?