Broken teeth are commonly the result of trauma or forceful injuries. Sometimes, it’s possible to break a tooth during an accidental fall or by playing sports or exercising. But what if you have a broken tooth with no pain?
Does it need any treatment or care? Will it get better on its own?
This post will answer all of your questions about broken teeth. We’ll dive into what happens when a tooth breaks and how even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible.
Explained: Broken Teeth
Your teeth have three basic layers. The outermost layer of enamel is the most resilient, protecting the inside of the tooth and giving it its characteristic translucent sheen. The layer in the middle comprises dentin, a material that reinforces the tooth’s structure and further protects the innermost layer. Finally, the innermost layer is the delicate pulp, which has a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves that extend into the root of the tooth.
Now, when you break a tooth, how much pain you experience depends entirely on how many layers of the tooth are compromised. We’ll explore that more below.
How Can I Have A Broken Tooth With No Pain?
If you break or chip a tooth, one of the possibilities is that you only damage the enamel layer. This means that you might not compromise the dentin layer, which protects the sensitive pulp. In that case, it’s possible not to feel pain or only feel a mild toothache.
Even exposure to the dentin layer does not mean there will be immediate pain. However, the dentin layer is sensitive, and exposure to cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods can cause pain or sensitivity in the tooth.
That said, though, there are common cases where a broken tooth can cause severe pain. If the affected tooth has dental caries, bacterial infiltration of the dentin layer can cause severe pain. The pain could be excruciating if the delicate pulp is exposed to the oral environment or infected with bacteria.
So, regardless of whether you feel any pain, it’s important to treat a broken tooth.
Conclusion: Seeking Treatment for a Broken Tooth
It’s essential to know that you can’t treat a broken tooth at home. No matter the extent of the damage, it’s imperative that you seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible.
Why? Well, a broken tooth can allow oral bacteria to enter the inner layers. These bacteria can eat away at the inner layers much quicker than tooth enamel. This can cause severe pain, and the infection can even spread to the gums, the jaw, and the rest of your face. And remember, even if you’re not feeling any pain right now, it’s only a matter of time before the tooth potentially develops an infection.
Fortunately, broken or chipped teeth are commonly treated by dentists all over the United States. Modern dental procedures ensure that dentists can thoroughly examine, clean, disinfect and restore teeth. That means that a quick visit to the dentist is all you need to fix your broken tooth and restore a healthy smile.
Lonestar Dental Center is your complete oral healthcare destination for various dental procedures and comprehensive exams. We provide excellent service from the very beginning of your time with us in Humble, TX. So if you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (281) 233-0333.