A broken tooth is more than an aesthetic disaster; it seriously threatens your dental health. That sudden break can quickly lead to pain and bigger dental problems. Whether it happens from an accident or long-term wear, a broken tooth needs quick care to protect your smile and keep your mouth healthy. If you have an infected tooth that is broken at the gum line, consider it a dental emergency and seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Infection in a Broken Tooth
Signs of infection in a broken tooth can include:
- A strong, constant, throbbing toothache that may spread to your jaw, neck, or ear
- Pain when eating, especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling in your face, cheek, or neck, which can sometimes make it hard to breathe or swallow
- Tender or swollen glands under your jaw or in your neck
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- A sudden burst of bad-smelling or bad-tasting fluid if the infection (abscess) bursts
- The tooth may look discolored, and you might see a small bump on your gums near the tooth
- Sensitivity to pressure when chewing
If the infection spreads, more serious symptoms can show up, like trouble opening your mouth, confusion, fast heartbeat or breathing, nausea, vomiting, or vision problems.
Urgency of Treating a Broken and Infected Tooth
A broken and infected tooth needs quick treatment because the break leaves the inside of the tooth open to bacteria. This can lead to a fast-moving infection, causing strong pain, swelling, and possibly an abscess (a pocket of pus). If not treated, the infection can spread to nearby areas and cause serious health problems like a jaw infection, blood infection, or other life-threatening issues. Other reasons to act quickly include:
- Avoiding tooth extraction or more complicated procedures
- More damage to the tissue and bone around the tooth if treatment is delayed
- The chance to save the tooth with a root canal or by draining the infection before it gets worse
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth at the Gum Line
If a tooth is infected and broken at the gum line, treatment aims to stop the infection. Your dentist will also try to save the tooth if possible and fix how it looks and works. Here are the main treatment options:
- Root Canal Therapy: If the infection has reached the inside of the tooth (the pulp), a root canal is needed. This treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. Afterward, a crown is usually placed to protect it.
- Crown Lengthening: If most of the tooth is below the gum line, a minor surgery can be done to move the gum and bone away slightly so that more of the tooth is visible. This helps make room for a proper crown or filling.
- Dental Crown: If enough of the tooth is still healthy, a crown (a cap) can be placed over it to restore its shape, strength, and look. Crowns can be made of ceramic, resin, or metal.
- Post and Core Build-up: If the tooth is badly broken and not much of it is left, a post can be placed inside the root. This post will support the rebuilding of the tooth, and then a crown can be added on top.
- Tooth Extraction and Replacement: If the tooth can’t be saved, it needs to be removed. It can then be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or denture to help you chew and smile normally.
- Antibiotics: These may be given to help control the infection before or along with other treatments.
- Incision and Drainage: If there’s a buildup of pus (an abscess), the dentist may need to drain it to reduce swelling and pain.
Wrapping Up
An infected tooth broken at the gum line can’t be left at the mercy of bacteria. It needs to be treated immediately to stop the spread of infection to the jawline and nearby areas. Immediate medical intervention will also help you avoid tooth extraction.
If you’re thinking about getting your teeth checked to make sure they’re healthy, feel free to contact the dental team at Clean Smiles Dental by calling (346) 266-0053 or clicking here to make an appointment.
