An untreated broken or chipped tooth can lead to an infection if the tooth’s pulp is exposed. The pulp is part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and tissues that keep the tooth alive. When bacteria enter the tooth and infect the pulp, the tooth’s tissue can die. If you have a broken tooth in Royal Oak, call Family Dentistry of Royal Oak for guidance and personalized treatment options. We can treat broken, cracked, fractured, infected, and damaged teeth and help you get your smile’s health and beauty back on track.
Leaving a Broken Tooth Untreated
Without professional care from a dentist, a broken tooth is susceptible to additional damage and infection that can worsen over time. Untreated damaged teeth can spread infection to the neck, head, and other areas of the body. While rare, a broken tooth can even become life-threatening. If you have a fractured tooth, don’t wait until it’s too late to save your smile! Dr. Suchi Chalasani can treat your tooth with modern techniques to restore its functionality, appearance, and comfort.
Why Visiting the Dentist Is Necessary
Even if you have minor symptoms, like a toothache, we recommend seeing your dentist. Any signs or changes in your oral health can indicate a more severe underlying issue. Your dentist must assess your dental health to determine the origin of concern and preserve your oral health. Timely treatment is necessary, especially if you’re in pain and need relief.
Our dental team will do everything possible to save and restore the tooth; however, sometimes, a tooth can be too damaged for repair, thus requiring an extraction. While your broken or fractured tooth might not spur instant pain, an infection can easily set in and compromise your general health.
Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
- Tooth pain, especially severe or persistent pain
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Sensitivity to heat
- Bump near the tooth’s root on the gums
- Fever
- Swelling
Please contact our dental office immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Treatment Options for Tooth Infections
- Dental bonding and fillings – Minor breaks, cracks, and chips can be repaired with dental bonding or a filling.
- Dental crowns – Dental crowns can cover and protect teeth with larger cracks and breaks, fully restoring the natural tooth.
- Root canal therapy – Damaged dental pulp might necessitate root canal therapy and a dental crown to remove the infected tissue and shield the tooth from bacteria and damage.
- Tooth extraction and replacement – If the damage is too expansive or severe, we might need to pull the tooth. Before removing a tooth, we speak at length with patients, and the decision is ultimately theirs. We will never pressure you into receiving treatment. If you decide to proceed with tooth extraction, we will also provide options for custom-made tooth replacements, like bridges or dental implants.
Call Us Today for Tooth Repair in Royal Oak
Call our Royal Oak dentists today if you have a broken or infected tooth. We can find the perfect treatment for your needs while eliminating pain and discomfort. We look forward to caring for your smile!