A broken molar is a dental emergency, and whilst it’s something that people tend to ignore, it’s something that shouldn’t be. The molars go through a lot of activity because they act as grinders and ‘bite’ for the foods we eat.
If there is something wrong with the molars, then you’re likely to feel it. A broken molar can include cracks, features or breaks, which are signs that it should be declared a dental emergency before it gets serious.
Let’s read on to learn more about the symptoms of a broken molar tooth and what steps you can take to get it resolved.
What May Cause A Broken Molar?
There are many causes of a broken molar, and sometimes it can be difficult to determine what may have caused it at home. Therefore, a visit to the dentist would be necessary, especially as it can impact your enamel and dentin layers. The causes of a broken molar could be any of the following:
- Biting down on hard foods or an object
- Trauma (a dental accident)
- Tooth decay-causing damage to your enamel
- A dislodged filling or dental crown
- Teeth grinding condition
- A weak tooth structure
- Tooth sensitivity
What Are The Symptoms Of A Molar Tooth?
There are a variety of symptoms of a broken molar, big or small.
Discomfort When Biting
If pressure is applied to a broken tooth, it’s likely to cause discomfort. If it becomes severe, the pressure applied to the tooth is a sign that there is a broken molar that needs addressing.
Tooth Pain
A broken molar can cause a dull throbbing pain if it doesn’t go away. It could last for an extended amount of time, and if it does, a visit to the dentist is required to treat it.
Infection
A broken molar can lead to bacteria penetrating inside your gum line. The infection will look like a tiny bump on the gum and can become dangerous because this may lead to gum disease.
Halitosis
Halitosis is the formal dentistry for bad breath, which can surface from a broken molar. The bacteria will have built to cause the bad odour in your mouth, and a strong oral routine would be necessary to prevent the germs from penetrating.
Why Should I Treat A Broken Molar?
If a molar has a minor injury, then it’s likely that some people will ignore it in the hope that it goes away. However, when biting down on food, the pain would likely persist, and the pain can become excruciating. You’re at greater risk of serious infection as well, exposing your body to bacteria. This can cause your immune system to weaken, making it harder to recover from any treatment you have.
What’s The Cost Of A Broken Molar?
The cost will be dependent on the type of crack or fracture your molar has gone through and what treatment the dentist decides to undertake to repair it. For broken molars, the following treatment options include:
- Dental Fillings – For a molar that’s gone through a small crack, a dental filling can repair minor damage and preserve the structure of the tooth.
- Dental Crowns – A tooth can be saved from more extensive damage, including cracks that extend to the gum line. A crown would be placed over the top of the tooth that’s damaged to keep the dental structure firm and strong.
- Root Canal – If a crack begins to cause damage to the enamel surface of the tooth, a root canal would be necessary for the inner pulp to be replaced. A dental crown may be applied to protect the overall tooth structure.
- Tooth Extraction – If the broken molar is damaged beyond repair, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate. Therefore, the cost of treatment will vary depending on the treatment that’s required.
If you have a broken molar, it is important that you get this checked out by the dentist as soon as you can. If you have any questions related to broken molar dental related issues, feel free to ask our experienced dentists in Quakers Hill.