Español
Table of Contents
Broken Tooth Emergency
A broken tooth emergency can be a scary and painful experience. It can happen unexpectedly, while eating or playing sports, and can leave you feeling anxious and unsure of what to do. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about a broken tooth emergency. From the causes and symptoms, to the immediate steps to take and the importance of seeking urgent dental care. We are here to provide you with the necessary information to help you handle a broken tooth emergency with confidence.
Content Menu
Definition
Coronary tooth fracture, a prevalent form of dental trauma, is the most frequent traumatic injury in permanent dentition. It is now recognized as a public health concern due to the need for both preventive measures and restorative treatment. The prevalence of these injuries ranges from 26% to 76% of dental traumas and can occur during childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood. This condition necessitates urgent attention as a broken tooth emergency, requiring prompt restorative treatment.
Epidemiology
A broken tooth emergency is a common dental trauma that occurs when a tooth fractures. The most common type of tooth fracture is a coronary tooth fracture, which usually happens in the upper incisors. The prevalence of coronary tooth fractures is 96% compared to other teeth, with the central incisor being affected in about 80% of cases and the lateral incisor. Men are more affected than women, with a ratio of 3.6:1.0, and the most susceptible age is between 7 and 20 years.
Pathogenesis
Assessing the force, speed, and conditions surrounding a tooth injury is vital when it breaks. Severity, pain, and bleeding dictate if it’s a dental emergency. While not all broken teeth need immediate attention, broken molars usually do. Seeking professional dental care to assess severity and plan treatment is recommended for broken teeth.
Risk factors
Things that make it more likely for your tooth to break:
- Eating hard things like ice.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Getting hit in the mouth during accidents or sports.
- Holes in your teeth that you haven’t fixed.
- Teeth that are weak because you’re getting older or not taking care of them.
- Using your teeth to open things.
- Fillings or crowns that can break.
Remember, if your tooth breaks, get help right away!
Diagnosis
For a broken tooth emergency, prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial, assessing injury severity and its impact on pulp, periodontal, and bone tissues. Although challenging due to emotional and physical factors, especially with children, a thorough examination is essential. To overcome challenges, breaking down the examination into three stages.
Anamnesis
Getting a thorough, calm, and straightforward medical history is vital. It helps us understand when the injury happened and how much time has passed since the impact.
Clinical examination
During a broken tooth emergency, it’s essential to observe signs around the affected oral structure. Here are the evaluations:
- Soft tissues: Look for any injuries on the gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue.
- Hard tissues: Check for fractures in dental tissue, alveolar tissue, and bone tissue.
Here’s how to assess:
- Examine the dental fragment.
- Assess the extent of the fracture.
- Check for mobility.
- Conduct a thermal sensitivity test, among other evaluations.
Radigraphic exam
The X-ray choice for dental trauma depends on physical exam findings. Specific teeth are selected for X-rays based on this data. The International Society of Dental Trauma advises occlusal and three periapical X-rays (front, middle, back) to assess trauma comprehensively.
Treatment
In addressing broken tooth emergencies involving crown fractures in permanent teeth, it’s crucial to consider the pulp’s response to trauma and the available options for restoring both the aesthetics and functionality of the affected tooth.
For uncomplicated fractures:
Enamel-level fractures: Treatment involves restoration and dental monitoring.
Enamel and dentin-level fractures: Treatment may include indirect or direct pulp capping, along with restoration and dental monitoring.
For complicated fractures:
Involving the pulp: Endodontic treatment is necessary, followed by resin restoration or rehabilitation such as crowns or inlays.
Extending to the dental and bone levels: Treatment is typically carried out in a hospital setting due to the severity of the case.
Conclusion Broken Tooth Emergency
For frequent permanent dental trauma like coronary fractures, immediate attention is crucial during a broken tooth emergency. Thorough diagnosis, including medical history, clinical examination, and radiological assessment, is essential. Addressing aesthetic, functional, and psychological aspects is vital for personalized treatment. Prognosis depends on fracture extent, tissue damage, root development, and treatment type.
At Newbury Park Dentist, we prioritize dental emergencies, providing expert care. Trust us for prompt treatment, ensuring your oral health and peace of mind. Schedule your appointment today.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Island Family Dental as well as our Facebook page. We look forward to your visit and will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you towards the best treatment to take care of your health and return your best smile.
Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency, Broken Tooth Emergency,
