Having a broken tooth in Seattle is annoying, and it happens for many reasons. You could have been injured in a sporting event, or you may have just chewed on something hard that cracked a tooth. You need to get the break fixed as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t seem to be irritating the gum.

There are various complications from a broken tooth that range from minor to major. Here are the five complications to be most aware of.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Depending on the way the tooth has broken, you can end up with sensitivity. A broken tooth in Seattle can lead to the nerve being exposed, and this leads to it being affected by heat and cold. You can end up getting a shooting pain or just discomfort when it comes to drinking and eating.

Toothache Even Without Eating Anything

Likewise, the nerve being exposed is sure to lead to pain. You may not even be eating or drinking anything, as the nerve being exposed can lead to saliva and air affecting it. If you suffer from any type of pain, you need to see a dentist, as it usually means that there is a bigger problem forming under the tooth.

Risk of Infection Due to a Cut Gum

The broken tooth in Seattle is also increasing the risk of an infection. Depending on the way the tooth breaks, you can end up with a cut in the gum. Left open, this will lead to bacteria getting into it, causing the infection. Even if there isn’t a cut from the broken tooth, you can end up gaining a cut due to the way the tooth now sits. This could be in the cheek or lip, causing problems with eating and infection elsewhere.

A Higher Risk of Cavities and Abscesses

With the inner layers of the tooth exposed, you can end up with other oral health problems due to the break. The pulp is now exposed, and this can lead to a higher risk of cavities forming. The pulp is soft and easily damaged, so you want to get it covered back up as soon as possible. Abscesses can also form around the root of the tooth, causing major health issues and pain.

The Teeth Can Move

Due to the way the broken tooth in Seattle now sits, you can end up affecting the other teeth in the mouth. Each tooth supports another, even the ones at the very back, so depending on how the break sits, you could end up with a tooth that doesn’t have support. This leads to it twisting or moving, not only leading to pain but also difficulties in cleaning and potentially speaking in the future.

It doesn’t matter how minor the break seems to be, you need to see a dentist. In some cases, a broken tooth in Seattle is going to need emergency treatment, but there are times that you can wait for your regular appointment in a week or two. However, keep an eye on the complications that can form due to the break.