Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Sometimes a broken tooth is a dental emergency, but not always. To say the least, a broken tooth is never a fun experience. In addition to the physical pain, it can cause a lot of emotional stress. Of course, there are different levels of severity.

It is important to know when a broken tooth is considered a dental emergency and when it is okay to schedule a visit to the dentist for a later time.

An overview of dental emergency treatment

By understanding exactly when a broken tooth, along with other oral health concerns, is a dental emergency, you can make a quick and informed decision when an issue occurs.

The following is a complete overview of dental emergency treatment and when to call the emergency dentist for fast and effective service.

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a concern that is related to the gums, teeth or jaw that requires immediate dental assistance. A common mistake many make after a mouth injury is making the wrong decision about treatment.

Visiting the emergency dentist for a non-urgent matter can lead to increased costs. However, putting off treatment that is urgent can cause the issue to worsen and lead to the development of more serious concerns. Subsequently, it is important to know how to handle the situation properly and what warrants a trip to the emergency dentist.

What to do if you suffer a broken tooth

After the potential emergency develops, whether it is in the form of a blow to the face, increased tooth sensitivity caused by a potential tooth infection or another concern, the first thing to do is assess the situation and make an informed decision about treatment. It is recommended to consider a visit to the emergency dentist if any of the following concerns develop:

• Severe pain
• Chronic bleeding
• Intolerable sensitivity
• Severe tooth damage
• Knocked-out teeth

As it relates specifically to a broken tooth, you should visit the emergency dentist if it meets any of the previous criteria. For example, a tooth that becomes loose, cracked or chipped as a result of a blow to the face is most likely considered a dental emergency.

How the treatment process works

It is helpful to know what to expect while at the emergency dentist before the visit. The first thing he or she is likely to do is to assess the physical symptoms and ask a very short and prompt series of questions to determine the level of severity and exact complications the patient is experiencing. The dentist then treats the initial symptoms as quickly as possible. This might entail putting pressure on areas that are bleeding and providing pain relief medication.

After the initial symptoms are in order, the dentist can perform treatment that lasts long-term, such as stabilizing a broken tooth or replacing a tooth that was knocked out.

Visit an emergency dentist for fast treatment

If you suffered a broken tooth and require immediate dental assistance, then give us a call for effective and efficient care. Our team is trained in treating dental emergencies to ensure the initial symptoms are treated and no long-term issues develop as a result.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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