While broken teeth constitute the majority of dental emergencies in the US, not every broken tooth is a dental emergency. The two types of broken teeth that aren’t considered a cause for a visit to the emergency dentist are minor fractures and chips (which can often be treated with dental bonding or veneers). These pose no threat to the overall health and can be addressed at a scheduled dentist appointment. More significant broken teeth, however, are definitely dental emergencies. If a large piece of a tooth has broken partly off or fallen completely off, this is certainly an emergency – and, as it can be profoundly painful, it probably feels like an emergency, too. When the protective and structural enamel and dentin layers of a tooth are breached, the pulp inside the tooth’s chamber is exposed to the elements. Rich with nerve endings, it’s sensitive to the slightest change in temperature or pressure; thriving with blood vessels, it’s the heartbeat of the tooth. Not only is exposed pulp painful, it’s also particularly prone to infection, which threatens the life of the tooth and poses the risk of spreading without treatment.
So, the short answer is: yes, a noticeably broken tooth is an emergency, especially if it hurts. This means that you should call your dentist for a same-day appointment. Even if you know your dentist’s office is often busy, it’s worth it to call, as many dentists set aside emergency appointments during their regular business hours. They may even refer you to a partner clinic, if they have one, or an alternate medical clinic. If it’s after hours, call your dentist’s office to see if their voicemail recommends an emergency dentist or has an alternate number for emergencies. Pay close attention here, too, as many dental clinics offer emergency dental instructions in their after-hours voicemail. If you aren’t able to connect with an emergency dentist, go to your hospital’s emergency room or an urgent care clinic.
One of the more common causes of broken teeth is injury, whether this injury is sports-related or due to an accident or fall. If you have sustained this type of injury, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get some general medical attention anyway, to check for a concussion or other injury. Teeth can also break when they’re biting something that’s too hard. This could be while chewing, like ice or popcorn kernels, or it could be while using your teeth to open a bottle or a package. Some people’s teeth are more susceptible to breakage than others, so something that might not affect one person’s teeth could destroy another’s, though it’s never a great idea to use the teeth as tools. For example, as people age, their teeth tend to weaken, making them more likely to break; additionally, people with extensive tooth decay also have more fragile teeth.
Regardless of the underlying cause, and even if the pain is manageable, you should seek emergency dental or medical attention if you experience a significantly broken tooth. Early intervention will help minimize the extent of the damage, reduce the risk of infection, and increase the likelihood of saving your tooth and preserving your smile.