A broken tooth may start with a small crack. At first, you might not feel pain or see a big problem. But the damage inside can grow quickly. The crack gives bacteria a way in, which can lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss. It can also harm nearby teeth and gums. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about an untreated broken tooth.
Signs You Need a Cracked Tooth Treatment
When a tooth breaks, some signs show that it needs care. If you notice any of these problems, you should see a dentist soon:
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Loose tooth
- Tooth changes color
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Swollen gums
- Sharp edge on the tooth
- Bleeding around the tooth
- Discomfort when chewing
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How Long Is It Safe to Have a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth may not hurt right away, but it is not safe to leave it untreated. The damage inside the tooth gets worse over time. How long it is safe to wait depends on how deep the crack is, but in most cases, it is only safe for a short time. Below is a clear timeline of what happens if a broken tooth stays untreated.
First Few Days
If the crack is small and shallow, it may not cause pain right away. For the first few days, it is usually still safe. But the tooth is open to bacteria, and damage can start inside. You should still see a dentist in Phoenix during this time to stop it from getting worse.
After 1 to 2 Weeks
After about one to two weeks, the crack can spread deeper into the tooth. It may reach the nerve. You might start feeling pain, pressure, or sensitivity to hot and cold. At this stage, it is not safe to leave the tooth untreated and the risk of infection becomes high.
After 3 to 4 Weeks
By three to four weeks, the inside of the tooth may already be infected. You may feel swelling or constant pain. The tooth gets weaker and may break more. Treatment becomes harder, and you may need a root canal and crown. It is unsafe to wait this long.
After 1 to 2 Months
After one to two months with no treatment, the tooth can become too damaged to fix. The crack may go under the gum, or the infection may spread to the bone. In most cases, the tooth must be removed.
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What Happens If a Cracked Tooth Goes Untreated?
A broken tooth may seem small at first, but leaving it untreated can cause serious problems. Below are the common issues you may face if you don’t treat a broken tooth:
- Infection inside the tooth
- Swelling in the gums
- Pain in the jaw
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Abscess (pus buildup)
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Tooth death
- Tooth removal needed
- Spread of infection to other areas
What to Do When a Tooth Breaks Off?
Here are the steps to follow when a tooth breaks off:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area.
- If the tooth has sharp edges, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum.
- Put a cold pack on your cheek to help reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine if needed.
- Call your dentist right away for an emergency visit.
Let’s Recap
An untreated broken tooth leads to pain, infection, and tooth loss. Even if the tooth looks fine at first, the damage grows with time. Waiting to treat it allows bacteria to enter and break down the inside of the tooth. Many people delay treatment, but this leads to harder, more costly repairs.
FAQs
Will I always need treatment for a cracked tooth?
Yes, most broken or cracked teeth need dental treatment.
Can cracked teeth be prevented?
Yes, people can prevent most cracks. Avoid chewing hard things. Use mouthguards during sports or while sleeping.
Is a cracked tooth a serious injury?
Yes, a cracked tooth exposes the inside of the tooth. This can cause nerve damage, infection, and tooth loss if not treated.
Is it possible to fix a cracked tooth at home?
No, only a dentist can safely repair a cracked tooth.
Can a broken tooth still be fixed?
Yes, many broken teeth can still be saved. Dentists use bonding, crowns, or root canals to repair them.
