What Happens if A Broken Tooth Goes Untreated? Complications and Remedy

Broken and Chipped Teeth

Our teeth are very strong; it is known as the hardest substances in our body. It helps in many ways including the primary method of digestion, which starts with chewing to break down food. It is also an essential part of speech. The general strain, and stress in chewing that our teeth endure, may lead to a simple chip and crack, or it can eventually break. There are a lot of factors that may cause our teeth to break. You can check mobilemouthguards.com.au how a mouth guard can prevent a tooth being knocked out.

 

Listed below are some of the most common reasons for broken teeth:

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

  • Eating hard food
  • Facial injury or trauma caused by an accident
  • Sports damage
  • Cavities left untreated
  • Large amalgam fillings that may cause the natural tooth structure to become brittle
  • Bruxism
  • Tartar
  • Underbite
  • Overbite
  • Plaque
  • Gingivitis
  • General poor dental hygiene

Typically, broken teeth do not register immediate pain or problems. Depending on the damage, your dentist will recommend treatment to the broken teeth that include smoothing of the rough, and sharp edges, to prevent cuts from your tongue, and lips. Severe fracture or damage may need a more complex method of treatment, whether they are from injury or cavity. Untreated cavities usually chip the teeth in small fragments, resulting in bigger damage over time, and can be excruciatingly painful. Infections may also develop along the gums and nerves. These are the conditions that usually require root canal treatment.

 

What is Root Canal?

Root Canal is a term used by dentists to describe the center of the tooth’s natural cavity. The root canal is the soft area usually called the pulp, or pulp chamber. A broken tooth may cause damage to the pulp, and if left untreated, bacteria may multiply, causing more damage and abscess accumulation. Once the roots are filled with pus, it may affect larger portions of the gums as well.

 

Root Canal Treatment

dentist fixing broken toothWhen is the right time to get root canal treatment? When your tooth becomes badly decayed, and you start to feel extreme pain because of swelling, and infection, it is best to talk to your dentist for the appropriate root canal treatment. The primary reason why root canal treatment is suggested is to save the tooth instead of extraction. If left untreated, the infection within the internal tissue surrounding the tooth will develop an abscess, and its accumulation will have more adverse health effects.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic therapy and endodontic treatment.  Generally, the method is complicated that it usually involves multiple procedures that could last several weeks. Before the procedure is carried out, a series of tests and examinations are involved. After gathering all the information needed, an analysis will determine the appropriate method for the procedure. The goal is to remove the infected pulp, to save the tooth and ensure longevity.

Here Are the Steps Involved:

  • X-ray – Typically, this is the first step involved, and it is very important. An X-ray will determine the signs of possible infection surrounding the bone structure.
  • Use of Rubber Dam – The affected area needs to remain dry, and saliva free during the procedure.
  • Drill – A hole will be drilled into the tooth for better access. The decayed nerve, and tissue, plus other related debris will be removed from the tooth. Root canal files are then used for the cleaning out process. To wash away related debris, sodium hydrochloride or water is used for flushing.
  • Seal – After making sure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned all the way through, it is then sealed. Other dentists prefer to seal the tooth after a week. The main reason is infection. Medication is required to treat the infection first, before sealing it in. In cases that require another procedure, a temporary seal is placed into the tooth to protect it from contamination by food, and saliva.
  • Restoration – This is the final step of the procedure. This is required so that the tooth will be restored fully back to its primary function. In case that there is additional restoration process is needed, your dentist will discuss the details with you.

 

Is Root Canal a Painful Procedure?

It is a common misconception that a root canal procedure is extremely painful. It may sound scary when your dentist describes the actual process. However, an adequate amount of anesthesia is administered, so you don’t have to worry about how painful the process is. Most people that underwent the procedure report that it’s similar to having a filling placed onto the tooth.

 

Outcome and After Care

The effectivity of the result all depends on your dentist. If your dentist fails to make a thorough cleaning and filling, the tooth may not heal altogether. In some cases, a dentist may not be able to treat all four canals of a maxillary molar. There is a 50% possibility that it has a fourth canal left undetected. Another possible reason is the under-sterilized substance or equipment used. Lastly, if the crown used for protection and restoration does not have a proper fit. The crown may move within the area where it may cause damage that may lead to eventual contamination and infection.

Dentist

However, the success rate of root canals is generally high. The study shows that it has a 95% success rate. So, there’s really a small chance of root canal treatment failure. Most people will experience pain, discomfort, and inflammation a few days after the procedure. It is normal because of the nature of the process. Your dentist will prescribe pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medicine to counter the painful sensation. Regular visits to your dentists will also help with the detection of possible root canal treatment complications. Your dentist will be able to determine if the additional steps are required or not.

 

Basic Tips in Case Your Tooth Breaks

In case you broke or fracture your teeth, you can follow these steps before consulting your doctor. Because of the current situation of the global pandemic Covid-19, it may be difficult to get an appointment with your dentist. Basic treatment will prove to be helpful during these trying times.

  • Use warm water to rinse your mouth
  • Apply adequate pressure on the bleeding area affected with cotton, or gauze
  • In case you have access to dental cement, you may cover the damaged area of the tooth
  • You may also use over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicine to ease the pain
  • Your saliva will help as well, or you can cover the area with milk or saline solution
  • If you do not have access to a manufactured saline solution, salt and water will do the trick

 

Final Word

Your initial reaction when you broke a tooth is to bush it. However, contrary to the popular belief that brushing is good, it may even cause more damage not only to the tooth but also the gums. The best solution is still consulting your dentist so they can recommend the best options for effective treatment.

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