35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
YOUR DENTISTS ON THE PLATEAU MONT-ROYAL
Our clinic stands out in Montreal as a pioneer in using technology. In addition to paperless patient records management, these tools allow us to provide care comfortably, quickly, and with great precision.
Did you receive a blow to the mouth? Did you take a bad fall? Ouch! One of your teeth has fractured! A dental fracture is a dental emergency that we encounter quite frequently in our clinic. Below, we cover some important points on the subject.
When a piece of a tooth breaks off and detaches, it is referred to as a dental fracture. As we’ll see below, there are different degrees of fracture depending on which parts of the tooth are affected. This situation usually occurs as a result of an impact: a blow to the face, contact with a hard surface, a bad fall, etc. For this reason, it is commonly seen among athletes, since accidents can occur during physical activity. Children and adolescents are also frequently affected, as they tend to be more active, playing outdoors, in schoolyards, and so on.
Teeth are made up of different parts: the crown, which is visible above the gum line, and the root, which is anchored in the jawbone. Teeth also have several “layers”: enamel, the outer layer that protects the tooth; dentin, located beneath the enamel; and the dental pulp at the center, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
In the case of a dental fracture, it is important to assess the severity of the fracture, as different types of treatment are required depending on the extent of the damage.
This type of fracture usually affects only a small portion of the tooth. It may not be painful, or the tooth may simply be hypersensitive. However, it is still important to consult a dentist within a reasonable timeframe, as the broken tooth can be abrasive and injure the oral tissues. When possible, the broken piece can be bonded back, or the tooth can be repaired with an inlay/onlay.
In this case, a larger portion of the tooth has broken off. The fragment can often be reattached, or the tooth can be repaired using an appropriate restoration, depending on the situation. The tooth is more likely to be sensitive or painful, especially when exposed to air or cold.
When the pulp tissue is affected, the tooth is likely to be painful, and bleeding in the mouth may be noticed. A red spot is often visible where the tooth has broken. These are clear signs that prompt consultation is necessary. In most cases, a root canal treatment is required to eliminate the risk of pulp infection, followed by restoration of the tooth with a filling and a crown.
When the fracture affects the root of the tooth, it is unfortunately impossible to save it. The tooth must be extracted and then replaced, for example with a dental implant.
In the event of a dental fracture, it is strongly recommended to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications and maximize the chances of repairing the broken tooth. Do not wait before contacting us to request a consultation. Emergency dental appointments are available at our clinic on the Plateau Mont-Royal.
If possible, retrieve the broken piece of the tooth. It is best to place it in a container with saliva or milk while waiting for your visit to the clinic. To help relieve pain, you can apply cold compresses to the side of the face and take over-the-counter pain relievers, always following the recommended dosage.
If needed, the team at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie is here for you!
