Dealing with a broken tooth and trying to avoid the dentist? Norman dentist, Dr. Venk of Norman Family Dentistry, uncovers the truth about broken teeth and how long you can wait to fix one. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today.
Your Broken Tooth Is Affecting Your Health
Your broken tooth may not be causing you physical pain, but it’s severely affecting your health. According to this Harvard Health publication, numerous studies have revealed that poor oral health, such as gum disease or tooth loss, directly correlates with higher rates of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Broken teeth should not be taken lightly, as even the milder symptoms can have lasting effects on your health.
What Happens If I Wait to Fix a Broken Tooth?
Waiting to fix a broken tooth is extremely high-risk. It is not a matter of if your tooth will eventually hurt or get infected, but when. When your natural tooth breaks, the nerve inside your tooth becomes exposed. This creates an open pathway to your bloodstream, and when bacteria enter your bloodstream through a crack in your tooth, infection begins to brew.
Note: Having a root canal removes the nerve from your tooth. Without your nerve present, you may not experience discomfort, but the possibility of infection remains.
Symptoms of a Broken Tooth
Symptoms of a broken tooth can vary from nearly non-existent to acute and life-threatening. Milder symptoms include soreness, irritation of the tongue or cheek, and difficulty chewing. Acute symptoms can range from severe swelling, pain, and spreading of infection, or in extreme cases, sepsis.
When to See the Dentist for a Broken Tooth
Dr. Venk’ advice: Don’t wait. A broken tooth is a ticking time bomb, and ignoring it until it becomes a problem only worsens the outcome. In some cases, a broken tooth can even be saved with a crown or root canal when caught early.
Meet Dr. Venk, Emergency Dentist in Norman
Amanda Venk, DDS is a board-certified and resident-trained general dentist who provides complete family dental care. She is a native Oklahoman and grew up in Cushing, OK. She graduated from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Dentistry in 2011. Following dental school, she completed an additional general dentistry residency at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Outside of the office, she enjoys time with her husband Justin and their two precious children Charlotte and Oliver.
Norman Family Dentistry
709 W Main St. Norman, OK 73069
(405) 321-6506
Broken Tooth FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Is my broken tooth a dental emergency?
Many factors are considered when deciding to see an emergency dentist. If your tooth breaks over the weekend and your regular dentist is unavailable, it is best to see an emergency dentist if your tooth becomes symptomatic.
How can I tell if my whole tooth is out?
Many patients ignore going to the dentist because they believe the entire tooth came out, but there is a very high chance that one or more tooth roots remain. Leaving a tooth root in place poses the same risks as leaving a broken tooth, as it provides direct access for infection to enter the bloodstream.
How will the dentist fix my broken tooth?
Your dentist will begin with an exam and X-ray to determine how to treat the broken tooth. For minor fractures, a crown may be suitable. However, it may require a root canal if the nerve of your tooth is exposed. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will likely recommend an extraction to remove the tooth and prevent infection.
Connect with Dr. Venk at Norman Family Dentistry today.
