A broken tooth, especially when the root remains lodged in the gum, can be a significant cause for concern. It’s not merely a cosmetic dilemma—it represents a serious dental health issue that can lead to pain, infection, and further complications if not addressed promptly.
It's crucial to understand what to do in such circumstances to ensure optimal dental health and avoid an emergency situation.
Quick Answer: What To Do If You Have a Broken Tooth With The Root Still in the Gums?
If you have a broken tooth, seek immediate dental attention to prevent infection and further complications. The retained root will require professional intervention like extraction or root canal therapy, depending on individual circumstances.
Even if the tooth and gums are experiencing no pain, it is critical to recognize that this poses an extremely high risk of infection.
Understanding & Recognizing a Broken Tooth
Even if the visible part of the tooth's structure above the gum line has broken off, the root is likely to be intact within the jawbone. This situation can occur for various reasons, including trauma, biting down on hard food, or severe tooth decay.
A tooth that is broken at the gum line can lead to pain, swelling, and infection — so do yourself a favor and take immediate action.
It is important to recognize that even thought your “whole tooth fell out,” there is most likely a root remaining in the gums. Visual confirmation might not always be possible, especially when the breakage is at or below the gum line. A dentist can confirm the presence of a retained root through a thorough examination and X-rays.
Immediate Steps To Manage Broken Tooth
While professional dental attention is crucial, there are a few steps one can undertake to manage the discomfort and prevent further damage before reaching a dentist. Here are some immediate actions to consider:
Rinse Gently: Use warm water to rinse your mouth gently. Avoid aggressive swishing, as it might exacerbate the damage or discomfort.
Apply Cold Compress: A cold compress can be applied to the external cheek area to manage swelling and alleviate pain.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Consider taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or the broken tooth area as it can cause burns.
Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from extremely hot or cold, sweet, or acidic foods that can exacerbate pain and sensitivity.
Keep it Clean: Maintain oral hygiene by gently brushing around the area and using antiseptic mouthwash, which can prevent infection.
These temporary solutions are not substitutes for professional dental care but can help manage symptoms and prevent complications while awaiting a dental appointment. The broken tooth’s underlying condition needs a comprehensive evaluation and treatment by a dentist or an oral surgeon to ensure optimal long-term outcomes.
Professional Assessment & Treatment Options
Once a dental professional is consulted, a thorough examination of the broken tooth and the remaining root will be carried out. This examination often includes X-rays to visualize the root’s position and condition and to check for any potential infections or abnormalities. Based on this assessment, a tailored treatment plan is devised, which can include:
Extraction: In many cases, the remaining root fragments need to be extracted to prevent infection and other complications.
Root Canal Therapy: If the root is healthy and the broken part of the tooth can be restored, root canal therapy might be a suitable option. This process involves removing the pulp tissue, cleaning and sealing the canal, and restoring the tooth with a crown.
Antibiotics*: If there's an indication of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage it. Note that this is a temporary measure, rather than a permanent “fix.”
Dental Implant or Bridge: After extraction, replacing the missing tooth is essential to maintain bite function and esthetic appearance. Dental implants or bridges are common solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Your dentist will guide you through the suitable options and help you make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a broken tooth with the root still in the gum can be alarming and oftentimes painful.
The immediate response should be to contact a dental professional to assess the severity and to outline the appropriate treatment plan, whether that includes extraction or another form of management. While waiting for professional intervention, employing temporary pain management strategies can alleviate discomfort.
The key is not to ignore such dental occurrences and to seek professional advice promptly to avoid further complications, such as infections. Meanwhile, incorporating preventive measures like regular check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene can help in avoiding these distressing dental situations.
FAQs
Can you leave a broken root in your gum?
It's almost never advised to leave a broken root in the gum, as it can lead to infection and other dental complications. Immediate dental assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate course of action.
Do roots of broken teeth have to be removed?
Almost always, yes. Leaving broken tooth roots can pose a risk of infection and abscess formation, necessitating their removal to maintain oral health.
Can a dentist pull a molar that is broken off at the gum line?
Yes, dentists are trained to manage such situations and can perform procedures to remove teeth broken off at the gum line. The complexity of the procedure can vary depending on the condition of the remaining tooth structure. If the extraction will be particularly complex, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for the treatment.
How do you get a broken root out of your gum?
The extraction of a broken root is a delicate procedure performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. It may involve minor surgery depending on the location and the condition of the root. It’s essential to avoid trying to remove a broken root by oneself to prevent further damage, complications, and infection.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.