Is your Smile Fracture Free?

Dental fractures may vary in depth, placement, and severity. No matter what part of your body is fractured, however, a break is a break. Dental fractures are not always completely obvious, but the visual can be enough to make you feel self-conscious about your smile. If a severe fracture on a visible tooth is ignored, cosmetic issues can create a need to reach out to your dentist. But is the potential for physical issues from tooth fractures ever considered a dental emergency?

Tooth Fractures

Any tooth injury which causes marked, persistent pain or even just feels unusual should elicit a check in with Dr. Engelberg. Cracks in teeth cannot always be felt, and may remain visually undetectable. However, early identification of serious issues may help you save your tooth from extraction. It is important that the fracture not extend to your pulp chamber where your dental roots are housed. If dental pulp is exposed to bacterial infection, inflammation will set in that will likely lead to pain. Pulpal necrosis (the death of nerves in dental pulp) may happen. Tooth abscesses are another possibility. For these potential reasons, you shouldn’t ignore a significant fracture.

Jaw Fractures

The most common facial fractures will usually be noses, cheekbones, and jawbones. The latter means dental implications. Any serious injury to your jaw (especially one that results in intense pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness) should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention from your regular dentist, or an emergency dentist in off hours. You may even consider the, general physician, or emergency room if your jaw injury seems severe enough. Potential treatment could include jaw realignment or keeping the bone temporarily held together by wires and screws.

ABOUT YOUR HIGHLAND PARK COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.