It depends on the severity of the fracture. For example, smaller chips may wait, but a larger fracture can cause such severe pain that immediate dental intervention is required. The dentist can make room for an emergency at any time. Remember, the earlier you undergo treatment, the better the chances of reducing the infection.
Each broken tooth does not require emergency dental treatment. For example, most people can wait for the next appointment if they have conditions such as toothache or tooth sensitivity. In the meantime, over-the-counter medications may help until a dentist is available. Sometimes it is not clear what constitutes a trip to an emergency dental practice.
A broken tooth falls into this category, and the following tips can help patients determine whether or not immediate medical attention is needed. The dentist decides to save a tooth after examining the extent of damage to the tooth structure. There is usually a time limit for saving a tooth, so it’s better to act quickly and visit the dentist right away. The dentist can repair minor chips and cracks with composite plastic.
If the crack or fracture goes below the gum line, treatment can be difficult and the tooth may need a root canal and a dental crown. Mild discomfort may not be a sign of a dental emergency, but severe discomfort when biting, which only goes away when the pressure eases, is a sign that the problem requires immediate dental treatment. A cracked tooth can be caused, among other things, by biting down too hard, by a slap in the face while exercising or by grinding teeth at night while sleeping. It is therefore important to always have a cracked tooth treated and to understand the signs that may indicate emergency dental treatment. Although broken teeth are a serious problem, there are forms of fractures that do not fall under the emergency category.
The most common signs that a broken tooth is a dental emergency include visible signs of a severe crack, pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swollen gums, or painful toothache that persists over a long period of time or worsens suddenly. Whatever the reason, it’s important to seek emergency dental care if anything happens to your teeth. However, if you’re struggling with a serious dental problem outside normal office hours, you’ll most likely need to see an emergency dentist. General dentists often encounter patients with tooth decay and they have various options for treating it.
There is a better chance of repairing the tooth if the dental appointment takes place within a few hours of the incident. The dentist will recommend natural-looking denture options to restore smile function and appearance. Assessing the nature and severity of your symptoms is key to determining when you need emergency care. There is usually an emergency number that patients can reach and that contains pre-recorded instructions on what to do in the event of a dental crisis.
Whether a person simply hasn’t been to the primary care dentist in a few years or has switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and potentially nerve-wracking. Minor tooth fractures or chipped teeth are dental fractures that do not require an immediate visit to the dental office.
