Is a Broken Tooth Considered an Emergency?

Broken Tooth Omaha, NE

One of the most common dental problems that people experience is a broken tooth, but a lot of people are not sure whether or not it is considered an emergency. Broken teeth can be very problematic if they are not treated, so it is important to know when this is considered an emergency.

Keep reading to find out more about what is warranted as an emergency. 

Is a broken tooth an emergency?

A broken tooth usually occurs from a traumatic injury such as a force to the face or an accidental fall that causes a break. Most of the time, this may be considered an emergency because it is usually very forceful and sometimes, even painful. However, there is not necessarily one answer when it comes to a broken tooth being considered an emergency but there are a few ways that one can tell. Being aware of what is considered an emergency can be helpful as situations arise. 

When a broken tooth is considered to be an emergency

A painful crack or chip

When a person breaks a tooth through a crack or a chip, there may be severe pain that occurs too. And, if that pain is pretty prominent then it is likely considered to be an emergency. When a tooth cracks or chips, the fracture can be strong enough that sharp edges are created, which can also be detrimental to the rest of the mouth. This again should be considered an emergency.

However, if the crack or chip does not cause pain and there are not any sharp edges, then it may not be considered emergent. A visit to the dentist can wait but it should not go ignored for too long because the fracture can worsen, thus resulting in a need for complete replacement, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Completely dislodged

A broken tooth may also be a tooth that is completely dislodged from one’s mouth. And, if a tooth does become dislodged completely then it is 100% a dental emergency that needs to be addressed by an emergency dentist. When a tooth becomes dislodged, it will likely break very unevenly or it may come out completely from the roots - either way, this kind of break is considered an emergency.

Bleeding or swelling

When the tooth breaks, there may be bleeding or swelling that occurs which should definitely be considered an emergency. Bleeding and swelling may both be a sign that the broken tooth caused serious damage to the area. In this case, it is best to see a dental emergency specialist, especially if there is any blood or swelling.

Reach out to our office today

If you have questions about broken teeth being emergencies then reach out to our office so that we can help you further. Let our trained professionals go over whether or not you should see an emergency specialist. Give us a call or stop by today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.advancedendotherapy.com or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at (402) 403-6988 for an appointment in our Omaha office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Is A Root Canal The Most Common Procedure For A Endodontist?

Root canal treatment is the most common procedure that an endodontist performs. The process can save a damaged tooth that might otherwise need complete extraction. A root canal treats and preserves millions of teeth each year, according to the American Academy of Endodontists. You may need root canal treatment if imaging tests show damage in…

Can An Endodontist Diagnose Tooth Pain?

An endodontist can help to diagnose and treat tooth pain. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A minor toothache that goes away on its own is not something to be concerned about, but a toothache that keeps coming back is a clear sign a trip to…

Apicoectomy Vs Root Canal Therapy - What Is The Difference?

A root canal and apicoectomy are the two endodontic procedures that can save a tooth. Between the two surgeries, the root canal is the more common one. One will only get an apicoectomy if a root canal fails. If you want to know the difference between a root canal and an apicoectomy, here are the…

Do Endodontists Perform Dental Fillings?

Like a general dentist, an endodontist completed a four-year degree in dental school. This allows the former to perform similar procedures like dental fillings. But endodontists completed education that goes beyond the general dentistry degree program. To become an endodontist, one must undergo two or three more years of advanced training. The focus is on…