2 Reasons You Should See an Emergency Dentist after Breaking One of Your Teeth

After being struck by an object to your face or falling down, you may have discovered that one of your teeth is broken. You may have even tried to treat the tooth at home by rinsing with salt water and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the pain.

However, even if you treat the symptoms, the broken enamel on the tooth can still cause problems if you do not have it treated right away. Below are a couple of reasons why you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible after breaking one of your teeth.

1. Jagged Edges Left on the Tooth Can Cause Damage to Your Gums, Tongue, and inside of Your Cheeks

One reason why you should visit a dentist who provides emergency care after breaking a tooth is that broken enamel often leaves jagged edges on the tooth's surface. While these edges may not feel sharp when you touch them with your finger, they are sharp enough to cause damage to the soft tissue nearby.

If you do not have the tooth treated, these edges will cut the inside of your mouth, gums, and/or tongue. Since the mouth is full of bacteria, these cuts could become infected. If the tooth is treated by a dentist right away, they can remove the edges and greatly minimize the risk of soft tissue damage and infection.

2. Broken Enamel Leaves the Pulp and Nerves Exposed, Causing Pain and Increasing the Risk of Infection

Another reason to seek emergency care is that the broken enamel leaves the pulp and nerves exposed. Because the tooth's protective covering has been damaged, bacteria and food particles can come into contact with the pulp, increasing the risk of infection or abscess. It can also cause irreparable damage that could lead to tooth decay.

If the break is deep enough, the nerves will be exposed, causing a great amount of pain whenever you eat, drink, or even when drawing in a breath. You will have to get the tooth treated as soon as possible to keep from having severe pain and minimize complications.

If you have broken one of your teeth, the jagged edges left on the exterior enamel can cause further damage to the soft tissues nearby, such as your gums, tongue, and inside of the cheek. The broken enamel also leaves the pulp and nerves exposed, which can cause severe pain and increases the risk of infection. Because of the pain and risks of infection and soft tissue damage, you should be seen by an emergency dentist as soon as possible so that they can treat it right away.