Is a broken tooth an emergency?
Broken Teeth
It can be surprising to break a tooth. While some broken teeth are considered to be an emergency and require treatment right away, this is not the case for all cases. If the break is causing sensitivity or minor pain, it can often be treated the next day. An over-the-counter pain medication can be used to manage discomfort while waiting for an appointment. It can be difficult for patients to determine when they require emergency care for a broken tooth.
When in doubt, call the dentist’s office for a broken tooth. It can be quite serious and require treatment right away. Dentists often have after-hours contact for urgent issues where they can help determine if urgent treatment is needed or if the patient can wait. Additional details regarding broken teeth and when emergency treatment is needed are provided below.
Broken Teeth
As indicated by the name, a dental emergency is an issue requiring immediate attention. Patients with a broken tooth often require same-day treatment. In cases of a severely broken tooth, patients may need to proceed to an emergency room or urgent care for prompt treatment.
Oftentimes, a broken tooth is considered an emergency requiring immediate treatment. Fractured teeth are actually one of the most common types of dental emergencies. In addition, broken teeth typically happen unexpectedly and without warning.
Causes
Below are the most common causes for a broken tooth:
- Trauma
- Accident
- Injury
- Chewing
- Using the teeth as a tool
- Large fillings that compromise the tooth
Types of Fractures
Fortunately, in cases of a minor fracture, patients do not require immediate treatment or an emergency visit. Treatment for a minor break can be done the next day. The break may be cosmetically obvious or inconvenient, but it does not constitute an emergency.
In comparison, a major fracture does require immediate treatment and constitutes an emergency. A serious tooth fracture typically involves severe pain in addition to the loss of a large portion of the tooth. In order to preserve the tooth, immediate treatment is critical.
Emergency Care
It is recommended that patients have a dentist whom they see for routine visits. Unfortunately, not all patients have a regular dentist. All patients can obtain emergency medical assistance, even if they do not have a regular dentist. Most dental offices hold space in the schedule for emergency cases. Patients can contact dentists in their area for an appointment. In some cases, the office may have evening or weekend appointments.
Office hours
Broken teeth are never convenient. A dental emergency commonly takes place in the evenings, on a weekend, or when patients are away from home. If you break a tooth, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. Most dentists have an emergency number specifically for emergency situations that cannot wait for regular business hours. If you experience a major fracture and are not able to reach your dentist, it is best to proceed to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.
Determining if the broken tooth is an emergency depends on the severity of the fracture. A minor fracture or chip can often wait, while a major fracture requires immediate treatment to preserve the tooth. Prompt treatment of a severely broken tooth helps ensure the best outcome and prevents the issue from becoming worse.
Patients with a broken tooth should call the office immediately, regardless of when the break occurs. Our team can discuss the situation over the phone to determine the severity of the issue and the urgency for treatment. Do not ignore a broken tooth as it can result in serious issues, including tooth loss.
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