Why You Should Never Ignore a Broken Tooth: The Role of Dental Crowns

Introduction

A broken tooth may not always seem like an emergency, especially if the pain is mild or the damage appears small. However, even a minor crack can place your oral health at risk. Many patients searching for dental crowns in Northwest Calgary are surprised to learn how quickly a damaged tooth can worsen without proper care. Understanding what happens when a tooth breaks—and how a dental crown can restore strength and protection—can help you make the right decision for your long-term oral health.

What Happens When a Tooth Breaks?

Teeth can break for many reasons, including biting something hard, untreated decay, weakened enamel, older dental work, or accidental injury. Regardless of the cause, a broken tooth immediately becomes more vulnerable.

What occurs beneath the surface:

• Enamel loss: The hard outer layer can no longer shield the tooth from bacteria.
• Exposure of dentin: This softer layer is highly sensitive and more prone to infection.
• Risk of nerve damage: A deep fracture may affect the inner pulp, causing pain or inflammation.
• Structural instability: A broken tooth cannot withstand normal chewing forces.

Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt right away, the damage can worsen over a period time and lead to deeper fractures, infection, or even tooth loss.

Why You Should Never Ignore a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth cannot heal on its own. Unlike bone or soft tissue, enamel cannot regenerate. Leaving the tooth untreated allows everyday wear, pressure, and bacteria to make the problem worse.

Ignoring a broken tooth may lead to:

• Infection or abscess formation
• Increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• Further cracking or a complete tooth fracture
• Damage to surrounding teeth
• The requirement for root canal therapy or extraction

Even small chips may turn into larger cracks over time, especially while chewing. Early treatment protects both the damaged tooth and your overall oral health.

How Dental Crowns Protect a Broken Tooth

A dental crown is one of the most reliable ways to restore a broken tooth. A crown works as a protective covering that restores the full surface of the tooth, preventing further breakage and blocking bacteria.

Benefits of a dental crown include:

• Full structural reinforcement: The crown restores the tooth’s strength and stability.
• Improved function: You can chew comfortably without worrying about additional damage.
• Natural appearance: Modern crowns mimic real enamel and blend seamlessly with your smile.
• Long-term durability: Crowns help prevent fractures, infection, and the need for more complex treatment.

Many patients visiting a dentist in Northwest Calgary choose crowns because they offer both aesthetic and functional protection, safeguarding the tooth for many years.

When to See the Dentist

You should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• A piece of your tooth breaks off
• You feel sharp edges or sensitivity
• Pain occurs when chewing
• The tooth changes color
• Food traps in the cracked area

Even without pain, prompt evaluation prevents complications. Your dentist will check and assess the severity of the break, determine whether the inner layers are affected, and recommend the best treatment—often a crown for long-term protection.

Final Words

A broken tooth may seem manageable in the moment, but ignoring it can lead to serious problems that affect your comfort, appearance, and oral health. Dental crowns offer a reliable solution by protecting weakened teeth and restoring normal function. If you’re dealing with a chipped or fractured tooth, the team at Carrington Dental – NW Calgary is here to ensure you receive timely, effective care that keeps your smile really strong and healthy for years to come.

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