“Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?”
My husband broke his tooth while playing ice hockey. The puck hit his mouth pretty hard and he was not wearing a cage on his helmet. He got stitches for the cut on his lip, but doesn't think he needs to go to his dentist. Isn't a broken tooth like that a medical emergency?
9 Answers
DentistOralHealth
It is an emergency, as a broken tooth can cause severe pain and infection later on. It makes sense to see your dentist ASAP even if it does not hurt now.
Within the scope of emergencies in dentistry a broken tooth is the one most often gets the quickest attention especially if it's in the front of the mount. It doesn't take long for the teeth to shift and compensate for whatever space is created by fractured teeth and cause an orthodontic problem
The definition of emergency will vary from one individual to the next. For me, emergency is Pain or Swelling, with or without temperature or fever. For others, a broken front tooth may not have pain, but some kid's mother will be freaking out and calling every doctor under the sun even if there is no pain because it doesn't look good. Even a small chip can upset many patients and they then demand emergency appointments even if it is just a cosmetic issue.
I can't say specifically whether your husband is an emergency, but based on your description, if there is a problem, it should be addressed, evaluated and diagnosed ASAP to avoid pain, swelling, or loss of tooth.
I can't say specifically whether your husband is an emergency, but based on your description, if there is a problem, it should be addressed, evaluated and diagnosed ASAP to avoid pain, swelling, or loss of tooth.
If you don't get that tooth restored, it will decay and become worse requiring more treatment and cost. If you play hockey, wear a mouthguard.
When a tooth is subjected to a blunt force, traumatic injury, such as getting hit with a hockey puck, it is possible that the tooth could have been injured. First, the structure of the tooth or tooth root can be damaged, the nerve in the tooth can be injured, and the gums and supporting bone and soft tissue can also be injured. The only way to know is to visit a dentist and have a detailed examination and take appropriate X-rays. If the nerve was damaged, it is possible your husband may need a root canal.
It is advisable to follow up with a dentist when breaking a tooth to prevent infection and possibly losing the tooth!
If you experience a traumatic fracture of a tooth, it is best that you visit your dentist within 24-48hrs.
Your husband should make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid further tooth damage.
Yes, a broken tooth as described in this situation is an emergency.
Dr. Cucerov
Dr. Cucerov
