Chipped and broken teeth can quickly become infected. This is because damage to teeth can expose the root canal, an internal chamber inside a tooth with nerve endings and cellular material. When a tooth is chipped or broken, root canal treatment is commonly needed to prevent the tooth from becoming so diseased that it must be extracted.
If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist for root canal treatment, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you have your broken tooth treated, the sooner you can enjoy comfortable oral function.
Following are some common ways teeth become broken and tips on how you can prevent orofacial injuries.
Accidental Falls
One misstep can cause us to fall on our faces. Blunt force of any kind to the face and mouth can break and dislodge teeth. It’s important to practice mindfulness so that we are aware of our movements and surroundings.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports or falls from rigorous physical activities could easily break teeth and facial bones. If you play contact sports or participate in activities such as skateboarding, it is important to invest in protective safety gear like chin straps and mouth guards.
Car Accidents
Car wrecks are notorious for causing orofacial injuries including broken and knocked out teeth. We recommend always driving with caution and wearing a seatbelt. You should avoid distracted driving as well. This means putting away your cell phone when you’re behind the wheel.
Untreated Tooth Decay
Without professional treatment, cavities will deepen and widen into a tooth. Untreated tooth decay can breach the root canal and lead to its contents becoming infected. Similarly, teeth with old restorations are susceptible to developing infected root canals. We recommend scheduling regular cleanings and checkups so that your dentist can detect cavities in their earliest stages.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching and grinding one’s teeth. This habit is especially destructive because it weakens teeth over time. If you tend to brux your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a night guard. A night guard is a comfortable oral appliance that protects teeth from the forces of grinding and clenching.
Our endodontist provides gentle and effective root canal treatment. Call Access Endodontics today to reserve a consultation.
