From Chipped Teeth to Major Fractures - Understanding Tooth Injuries

Human teeth are amazingly strong, but when you bite into something hard, or take a blow to your face, they can become chipped, broken, and fractured. If an injury is minor and only affects your tooth’s enamel, you may not feel any pain when it happens. However, when you run your tongue over the sharp or rough area where the damage occurred, you’ll know something is wrong. Injuries that involve exposing the dentin or nerve of your tooth will cause pain or sensitivity. It can be constant or only occur when you are chewing.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth: Emergency Tips

If you suffer a minor chipped tooth, and you experience no pain, bleeding, or sensitivity, just cover any sharp edges with dental wax, and get to your affordable dentist soon. Fractures are more serious. If your tooth hurts constantly, or if changes in temperature cause pain, you may have damaged blood vessels or nerve tissues. If it does not hurt to bite down, but you experience pain when you release the bite, your tooth may be cracked. This cannot be treated at home. Cracked or broken teeth require professional care. Until you can get to a dentist’s office, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply pressure to bleeding areas with a piece of gauze or a tea bag. If there is swelling present, apply a cold compress to your face over the injured area.

Treatment for Fractures and Breaks

After stabilizing your injury at home, you’ll need to locate a qualified, affordable dentist to restore your tooth. Listed below are common types of tooth injuries and the methods your dentist can use to fix them.

• A cracked or seriously fractured tooth may require repair with dental filling material or a crown. If the pulp is also damaged, a root canal may be necessary.
• Decay-induced breaks occur when cavities weaken teeth from the inside out. Root canal treatment or extraction may be needed.
• Broken cusps generally don’t affect the pulp, but they may require crowns.
• Minor surface cracks or craze lines usually don’t need treatment. If necessary, they can be polished to smooth out rough areas.
• Serious breaks and split teeth generally require root canal treatment. Sometimes, extraction is the best option.
• A minor chipped tooth may not need treatment. If it is unsightly or sharp, your dentist can polish and smooth out the surface.
• Vertical breaks or split roots are painful and may become infected. In most cases, these teeth must be extracted.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.

Valley Dental Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Owings Mills. With 10 affiliated practices throughout Owings Mills, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Valley Dental Associates, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Valley Dental Associates.