It depends on the severity of the fracture. For minor chips, a regularly scheduled appointment may be sufficient. However, if a significant part of the tooth breaks, seek medical attention right away. Nerves are protected by dentin and enamel, but if exposed due to damage, food and bacteria increase the risk of infection.
If a splinter or crack is deep, the nerve that rests in the center of the tooth can become infected and die, eventually leading to the need for root canal treatment. Ignoring a broken tooth should never be an option, as it can lead to serious nerve damage. If the dentist is unable to replace the tooth, it can be replaced with a dental restoration such as an implant. Minor dental fractures or chipped teeth don't require an immediate visit to the dental office.
A tooth can break immediately with a strong impact, or it can occur if a cracked tooth is not treated. The severity of the chipped tooth is probably related to the severity of the accident in which it occurred. If the crack or splinter is large enough to affect the nerve tissue of the tooth, there is a greater risk of infection. If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your tooth or if you have a sharp edge on your tooth that bothers your tongue or cheek, then it's a good idea to have your tooth treated right away. If you only bit hard foods and your tooth broke, it's less likely to be a serious problem than if, for example, your tooth was damaged in a car accident.
The crack can be deeper than you think and can even compromise the structure of the tooth, making your tooth more susceptible to future splinters and cracks. See a dentist even if urgent care doctors say your tooth is OK; your dentist is better qualified to judge a dental injury. While a cracked or chipped tooth isn't considered a dental emergency, you shouldn't wait more than a day or two to seek treatment. The sooner you undergo treatment, the better your chances of reducing the infection. In many cases, the tooth can be successfully reattached if the patient receives treatment within a few hours after the injury occurs.
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