The enamel layer on each of your teeth is composed of a dense structure of microscopic mineral crystals, which gives your teeth their strength and durability. It’s not uncommon of for a hard fall, a blow to the face, or a sports injury to fracture a tooth. Fractures and large chips are also common for people who grind their teeth at night without a night guard, and those who have a bad habit of chewing on pens, pencils, and crunching on ice.
You can rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear any blood or debris from your mouth and give you a clear look at the fractured tooth. If you feel a persistent ache, a sharp pain, or excessive sensitivity then it most likely means that the fracture affects the sensitive internal structures of the tooth. Even if you don’t feel any pain, the fracture in the tooth could still pose additional problems with tooth decay and future sensitivity issues.
A fractured tooth needs to be seen by Dr. James A. Duncan as soon as possible. If the fracture has damaged the internal structures of the tooth, Dr. James A. Duncan might need to perform a root canal. If the damage is severe, it might need to be extracted and restored in the future with a bridge or a dental implant. If the fracture is limited to the enamel layer, Dr. James A. Duncan might simply be able to repair it with a basic filling.
If you have fractured tooth you need to call Dr. James A. Duncan immediately at (361) 643-3030 to schedule an appointment.