If you have a broken tooth, you have more than just a cosmetic change in your smile. Once a tooth's outer enamel is broken or chipped, the tooth becomes more susceptible to bacteria that are typically found in the mouth. A fracture provides an opening into the interior of the tooth. The tooth is more susceptible to infection when the inner layers are not sealed off completely.
Beneath the hard enamel is dentin, a softer tissue with small canals leading to the nerve of the tooth. If there is a crack or fracture in the tooth, then bacteria can use the canals to infect the nerve. When bacteria gain access to the pulp where the nerve and blood supply are, the bacteria cause those tissues to become inflamed. Because the enamel creates a hard exterior that does not allow the tooth to change shape, the tissue inflammation creates pressure inside the tooth. You will feel pain from the inflammation, and you may find that your tooth is more sensitive to temperature and touch.
When you break your tooth, you do not have to worry that the tooth will immediately become infected. You are more likely to notice that the tooth is more sensitive to cold air and hot foods. The fracture may leave your tooth too sensitive to chew your food with it. As the bacteria have more access to the inner layers of your tooth, you will not be able to remove them by brushing your teeth. The bacteria will not just infect the tooth, but they can also move to the nerve, the gum tissue, and even the jawbone. Once you notice that the area around the tooth is throbbing or swollen, then you are experiencing symptoms of an infection. If it is not treated, you may even develop a small bump on your gums or an abscess.
As the infection spreads from the broken tooth, it will move into the surrounding bone and soft tissue if you do not seek dental treatment. Signs that the infection has spread are swelling and pain when opening your mouth. When you are not able to open and close your mouth without discomfort, eating, speaking, and other activities of daily living become difficult. Prompt treatment of your broken tooth can allow you to avoid the pain and complex dental treatments needed to remove infection. You may be able to preserve your tooth and not need to have it removed.
To treat a broken tooth with an infection, the dentist will try to protect your remaining tooth and surrounding tissue while removing the infection. The dentist will need to treat the affected pulp inside the tooth. Then the remaining tooth can be covered with a crown, an onlay, a dental inlay, or a combination of those restorations. When the treatment is complete, you will be free from pain and infection, you will be able to prevent future infections, and your bite will be properly aligned again.
If you have more questions about broken teeth or how addressing them could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for broken teeth.