Is a broken tooth an emergency?
While a broken tooth is serious, it fortunately does not always require emergency dental treatment. If the patient has tooth sensitivity or a minor toothache, they can often wait for their next dental visit. Patients may also benefit from using an over-the-counter medication to alleviate pain while they wait for their appointment. It can sometimes be challenging to determine when issues require emergency dental care. Broken teeth are indeed often considered to be an emergency and patients should contact their dentist right away for treatment. Common questions patients have regarding broken teeth and emergency treatment are summarized below.
Emergency
A dental emergency is defined as an issue which requires immediate medical attention. Dental emergencies typically represent the need for the patient to receive same-day dental appointment. Severe cases often require patients to visit the closest urgent care or emergency room.
Broken or fractured teeth are indeed considered an emergency and require immediate treatment. Fractured teeth are actually one of the most common dental emergencies reported. Broken teeth can occur when patients least expect them. Common causes include trauma, sports-related accidents, or even from biting down on something hard. Broken teeth are certainly serious, however, minor fractures or chips do not constitute an emergency or require immediate treatment. A patient with a minor break or chip can wait to be treated at the next available appointment as there is no threat to their health or well-being.
Major tooth fractures do require emergency treatment. A serious tooth fracture occurs when a large portion of the tooth breaks off. In most cases, intense dental pain will accompany this type of fracture. In order to preserve the tooth, the patient should seek immediate treatment. If left untreated, it may end up requiring extraction.
Dental Emergency Treatment
Some patients do not have a regular dentist they see for care. All patients, however, can obtain emergency medical assistance when needed. The dental office usually sets space in their schedule aside for patients who has a same-day, emergency issue. Patients should contact the dentists in their area to obtain an appointment. Dentists may offer appointments in the evening or on weekends to accommodate their patients. If needed, dental office can often work additional appointments into their schedule. This is commonly done for patients with a broken tooth.
Broken teeth are always inconvenient. Similar to other types of emergencies, they often take place on a weekend, evening, or over the holidays. Patients should contact their dentist regardless of when the emergency takes place. Dental offices often have an emergency number or way to page the dentist for urgent situations. If you experience a major fracture and cannot reach your dentist right away, it is best to proceed to the urgent care clinic or emergency room in your area.
The severity of a broken tooth will dictate if an emergency dental visit is required. In cases of a minor chip or fracture, it can wait for the next regular appointment. A major tooth fracture will require emergency treatment. If the severity of the break is ever in question, the patient should contact their dentist. In many cases, the dentist can perform an over-the-phone consultation to determine how severe the break is. When broken teeth are treated in a timely manner, it can help ensure the best possible outcome and even preserve the tooth. Prompt treatment prevents a break from becoming worse or potentially losing the tooth.