The fact is teeth sometimes break. Falling and hitting your head, grinding or clenching during sleep, or even from untreated cavities or decay are just a few of the many varied reasons why your teeth may be broken. But what would happen if you left your tooth broken? What happens if the damage is left untreated?
Damaged Teeth
Whilst it is always recommended to get teeth treated, the question as to why is usually left unanswered. There are plenty of reasons that have a significant impact on your health. All our teeth have nerves inside them. So, when a tooth breaks, that pain can be mild, annoying, or severe and unbearable.
Chewing can cause this pain to increase or sudden onset as well as drinking anything hot or cold, clenching at night, or simply the nerves’ exposure to irritants such as air, pollen, and food particles. What’s worse is if left untreated, the chance of infection greatly increases which could have greater consequences throughout your mouth and cause more teeth to need to be removed.
If damaged teeth are left untreated for a long time, many issues will persist. You may begin experiencing bone loss in your mandible or maxilla, commonly known as the lower and upper jaw. Or the bones may shift causing deformities that could lead to different joint and muscle-skeletal disorders. You can even lose more teeth if the initial site gets infected or inflamed and that spreads to surrounding teeth.
Transformative Solutions for Missing or Broken Teeth
Living with multiple missing or broken teeth can impact more than just oral health—it can affect confidence, professional opportunities, and even dietary choices. At Texas Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we specialize in providing personalized solutions that transform lives. For patients who thought their situation was beyond repair—whether due to severe bone loss, extensive damage, or years of neglect—we offer cutting-edge treatments like full arch dental implants. These procedures are designed to deliver natural-looking, functional teeth in a single day.
Our in-house dental laboratory and advanced 3D printing technology allow us to create high-quality, temporary teeth that look finished and polished, ensuring patients leave with a complete smile, even while they heal. Unlike traditional approaches, we evaluate each patient thoroughly, often finding solutions for those who have been told they lack sufficient bone for implants. With the right expertise and technology, we make the impossible possible, restoring smiles and confidence while eliminating pain and limitations.
Exploring Your Choices
There are various treatment options available to address broken teeth, each tailored to the severity and specific circumstances of the damage.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
For teeth that are significantly damaged but still have a viable root, dental crowns or bridges can provide a protective cap that restores function and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth, offering long-term protection.
Root Canal Therapy
If the tooth’s nerve is affected, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged nerve and prevent further infection. This procedure can save the tooth and eliminate pain, making it a crucial step before placing a crown.
Dental Implants
In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking replacement. Implants provide a permanent solution that helps maintain jawbone density and prevent further dental issues.
What To Do When You Break a Tooth
Now that you know the problems with broken teeth, what do you do? Well, contact a dentist (we’ll get to that part later). But in the meantime, there are a few things you can be doing to help alleviate some of the pain and prevent further issues.
One option is to rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. This will help keep the area clean from bacteria and infection that may creep in. If there is blood, apply gauze or tea bags to the region to prevent further bleeding. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your mouth on your cheek near the tooth may help prevent swelling and inflammation. Also, taking over-the-counter painkillers in appropriate dosage amounts may help reduce the amount of overall pain you are in.
When it comes to contacting a dentist though, Dr. Aaron Vickers has years of experience in helping patients with broken teeth. He has helped repair damaged teeth, removed rotten teeth, and performed a few procedures to help restore your bite line and keep your mouth healthy. Dr. Vickers’s background as both a physician and a dentist means he can provide expert holistic advice in treating and maintaining a healthy mouth and prevent further issues from occurring.
Understanding the Risks
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to a cascade of oral health issues that extend beyond immediate pain and discomfort.
Increased Risk of Infection
When a tooth is broken, it becomes a prime entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infections. These infections can spread to other teeth and even to the jawbone, potentially resulting in abscesses and systemic health problems.
Progressive Dental Deterioration
Untreated broken teeth can cause misalignment issues as neighboring teeth shift to fill the gap. This can lead to uneven wear on your teeth, jaw pain, and bite problems, which might require more extensive corrective treatments down the line.
Keeping Your Teeth Intact
Preventing tooth damage is always preferable to treating it. Here are some steps you can take to protect your teeth from breaking.
Use Protective Gear
If you participate in sports or activities that could result in impact to your face, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma.
Address Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause significant damage over time. If you grind your teeth at night, consider using a nightguard to protect your teeth from excessive wear and breakage.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of cavities, cracks, and other issues before they lead to a broken tooth. Regular professional cleanings also help maintain overall oral health.
Contact Us!
If you are within the Flower Mound or Denton areas in Texas, we are ready to help restore your broken teeth! Consider contacting us at (469) 498-2080 for our office in Flower Mound, TX or at (940) 301-3250 for our office in Denton, TX. Or click here to fill out an online web form. Let our doctors, Dr. Aaron Vickers and Dr. Tamir Anver, help fix your broken teeth and keep your mouth happy and healthy!