Toddlers climb and play. They fall over, and sometimes, that can lead to a broken tooth in Mountlake Terrace. This is perfectly normal, but parents tend to have one question. Is it worth taking their toddler to the dentist?
Of course, if there’s blood or major damage, a dental visit is immediately considered. What if it’s just a crack or a chip on a baby tooth? It’s going to fall out anyway, right? Well, you may be surprised that the best thing to do is to see a dentist.
There Could Be More to the Break
At first, a broken tooth in Mountlake Terrace looks small and superficial. However, those breaks can end up with damage further in the tooth. Sure, this tooth is going to fall out eventually, but that could be in years depending on the tooth. The best thing you can do is see your dentist to see just how much damage has happened.
Your dentist will be able to assess if the tooth needs to come out or not now. They’ll be able to determine if it could cause problems in the future, and if it’s worth repairing the damage right now.
A Broken Tooth Can Lead to Cavities
Baby teeth can get cavities. If it is one of the front teeth, a dentist may just want to remove it and allow the space for the big teeth to grow through. What if the broken tooth in Mountlake Terrace is one of the back teeth? They don’t tend to fall out until the teenage years, and this can lead to issues in the future.
When the tooth cracks or chips, the heart of the tooth is exposed. More bacteria can get into the middle of the tooth, causing decay and nerve damage. Your dentist will be able to see if it needs repairing now to avoid cavities in the future.
The Nerve May Have Been Damaged
Even if it’s one of the front teeth, there may be an issue with the nerve. A broken tooth in Mountlake Terrace receives an impact that can kill the nerve. This turns the tooth grey or black, and it can lead to the tooth falling out sooner than it should. It can also cause decay inside the gumline, which won’t be spotted until it’s too late if you don’t see a dentist early.
Your dentist will take a look at where the damage is. They can then determine if there’s a chance of a damaged nerve, and from there, decide what to do about the tooth. Sometimes, this means an extraction right away. Sometimes, dentists will leave the tooth, especially if it’s a front one that’s close to falling out anyway.
A dentist has gone through years of schooling to help in these situations. If your toddler has a broken tooth in Mountlake Terrace, go to ask for their advice. They can take a look at the exact tooth and see just how much damage has occurred. This helps to prevent future issues.