A broken tooth with its root still in the gum can be disturbing as well as painful. Dental complications like this are strange and need professional help as they represent a serious dental health issue that can lead to infection and other problems if it is not treated immediately. At Broadway Family Dental, Dr. Ella Dekhtyar takes care of dental traumas effectively and helps you seek relief in the shortest possible time. Dr. Dekhtyar understands that even simple tasks like brushing your teeth or eating can become intolerable with a broken tooth and focuses on removing the remaining tooth piece from its roots with painless treatment options successfully.
Having a broken tooth, especially with its root still in the gum, with or without pain, is a significant cause for concern. Such dental issues often arise unexpectedly and may leave you in a lot of confusion and uneasiness. It is essential to understand what you can do in such a situation to prevent further dental complications and emergencies and protect your teeth and gums from further damage.
Read on to know what leads to such unique dental circumstances and what you can do to address them promptly to ensure optimal oral health for life.
What To Do if You Have a Broken Tooth With the Root Still in the Gum?
If you have a broken tooth, seek immediate dental attention to prevent the risk of infection and other complications. The root in your mouth will require professional intervention such as extraction or a root canal theory, depending on your unique situation.
Some people might choose to leave the root as it is if it is not causing pain, which would only worsen the condition. Daily activities like brushing your teeth or eating can become intolerable. This is why having any remaining tooth piece removed from its roots is crucial.
Remember, even if the broken tooth and gum are not causing any pain, it does not mean it is not a critical matter. It poses an extremely high risk of infection and intense pain if you are not careful. The dentist will thoroughly examine your gum, analyze the causes of a fractured tooth root staying in the gum without generating pain, and resolve this dental issue most appropriately.
Why Does the Broken Tooth Not Hurt?
You may be wondering why the broken tooth is not hurting, even though a piece is still stuck inside. It may be because the nerve has already died due to the fracture’s impact. There is also a chance that the tooth was already dead, or perhaps you had a root canal therapy that already removed the nerve.
Your body’s resistance and amazing healing ability may also be the reason you are not having pain. Even if there is no pain, the tooth can get an infection. A trip to your dentist is necessary to have things checked by an expert.
Recognizing a Broken Tooth
If the visible part of the tooth’s structure above the gum line has broken off, the root is likely to be intact within the jawbone. This situation can occur due to various reasons, including trauma, biting down on hard food, or severe tooth decay.
Even when you believe the entire tooth has fallen off, there will be some part of the tooth or root remaining in the gums. You cannot see the inside of your tooth, and lack of pain makes it difficult to determine a broken tooth, especially if the breakage is at or below the gum line.
A tooth broken at the gum line can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate action. The dentist can confirm the presence of a retained tooth with a comprehensive examination and X-rays.
Is It Possible To Leave a Broken Root in the Gum?
No. Dentists strongly recommend seeking immediate treatment If you have a broken root in the gum to have it properly cared for. You should never leave a damaged root in the gum as it can lead to infection and other dental complications.
Leaving broken tooth roots can pose a risk of abscess formation, which can harm your oral as well as overall health.
Immediate Steps To Manage a Broken Tooth – What To Do?
You need immediate dental care if you have a broken tooth. Here are a few steps to manage the discomfort and prevent further damage as you reach out to a dentist.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the external cheek area to keep the pain and swelling down.
- If you are having pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain.
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, as they can increase sensitivity and pain.
- Maintain oral hygiene by gently brushing around the broken tooth and using an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent bacterial infection.
Remember, these are only temporary solutions that will help to manage symptoms and prevent complications while you wait for a dentist’s appointment. A broken tooth with a root still in the gum requires comprehensive evaluation and fitting treatment by a dentist for long-term oral health.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
The dentist will examine your tooth and gum to check the root’s position and condition and look for potential infections or abnormalities. Based on this assessment, the dentist will come up with a treatment plan.
Treatment options for broken teeth may include:
- Root canal therapy – If the root is healthy and the broken part of the tooth can be restored, root canal therapy is a good option. This process involves removing the pulp tissue, cleaning and sealing the canal, and restoring the tooth with a crown.
- Extraction – If the tooth is all damaged and gone, the dentist will want to extract the remaining root fragments to prevent infection and other problems.
- Antibiotics – If there is a sign of infection, antibiotics are prescribed to manage it. However, it is just a temporary fix followed by other treatments.
- Dental implant or bridge – Once the affected tooth is extracted, dentists recommend replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or a bridge to maintain bite function and esthetic appearance.
Your dentist will help you understand which options would work best and offer quick relief.
How Is a Broken Root Extracted Out of the Gum?
The extraction of a broken root is a delicate procedure performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. It may involve minor surgery depending on the location and condition of the root, as well as the state of the remaining tooth structure.
You should not attempt removing a broken tooth yourself as it can lead to further damage, intense pain, and infection, among other complications.
Do not ignore a broken tooth with the root still in the gum, as it is an alarming situation and can turn dangerous if you are not careful. Dr. Ella Dekhtyar is an experienced, board-certified dentist, and recommends the best treatment options to manage your tooth most appropriately. She assesses the severity of your tooth condition and takes immediate action to avoid further complications. Dr. Dekhtyar also helps you understand how good oral hygiene and regular checkups can help prevent such problem. Call Broadway Family Dental today to enjoy healthy and strong teeth for life with expert guidance.
Broadway Family Dental
1152 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11221
(Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant)
(718) 455-4400