More often than not, the result is an increased risk of infection because any gaps left by a partially erupted or broken wisdom tooth can and will harbour bacteria. This in turn raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
If you do have a broken wisdom tooth then it should really be considered a dental emergency as it can result in a whole host of problems including:
- Dental swelling and infection
- Severe tooth pain or discomfort
- The formation of a cyst due to infection
- Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth
- And even the possibility of sepsis – the spread of infection to other parts of the body
For these reasons, it pays to seek help immediately. Your emergency dentist will carry out an immediate assessment and tell you if you need to have your wisdom tooth removed or whether it can be repaired.
In most cases, given that it’s a wisdom tooth, it’s highly likely that you will undergo wisdom tooth removal or extraction.
Broken Wisdom Tooth Removal – What To Expect?
If you need to undergo the removal of a wisdom tooth you should know that the vast majority of simple extractions are carried out chair-side under a local anaesthetic.
During a simple broken tooth extraction the dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth and then, using a special tool will loosen and remove the tooth from the socket using a gentle rocking motion.
Patients should feel no pain or discomfort but may feel some slight pressure or force as the tooth is gently rocked back and forth.
In the event of a more complex extraction, the dentist or surgeon will make an incision into the gum line. They may then look to divide the broken tooth into sections if it isn’t already. Each section will then be carefully removed ensuring that no pieces of tooth remain. Finally, sutures may be used to sew up the gum at the extraction site and gauze is usually placed over the site to stem any bleeding.
Does a broken wisdom tooth always cause pain?
In some instances, wisdom teeth can break without exposing any of the nerve structure and therefore it is possible to have a broken tooth that causes no discomfort. Even so, it should still be treated as a dental emergency because there is a high chance of the tooth sustaining a dental infection.
Key takeaway
If you experience a broken wisdom tooth, it can be painful or lead to further complications so it’s best to make an immediate call to your dentist. Here at Bondi Beach Dental, we’re highly experienced in wisdom teeth extractions and take the time to explain any treatment to you so you know what to expect, Moreover, our honest and transparent approach means that we’ll always advise you of your treatment costs so there are no nasty surprises.
Don’t delay, Call Bondi Beach Dental to make an appointment.
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