Did you just feel something hard come out of your mouth? Was it a piece of tartar or a broken tooth? If it is a broken tooth, then you are in trouble! But wait, why don’t you feel anything? That’s strange. Let’s find out why there is no pain even after your tooth has broken off at the gum line.
Top 3 Reasons Why It Does Not Hurt?
When a tooth breaks, it can be a nerve-racking experience. But if the tooth broken at the gum line doesn’t hurt, it is likely to be one of the three circumstances:
- Nerve Dies From Fracture
Sometimes, when you bite down on something really hard, the force kills the nerve instantly. In this case, you will stop feeling any sensation because the nerve is dead.
Now, even though you might feel pain-free at the moment, seek treatment for the broken tooth immediately. Leaving the remaining root embedded in the gums results in an infection. And once it sets in, the pain will be throbbing and unbearable. - The Tooth Was Already Dead
Your tooth may be already dead without you knowing. In that case, your tooth breaking off won’t cause any pain. Since the nerve was already dead, there were no healthy transmitters to give pain signals.
Dead teeth are often discolored and lack sensitivity to temperature and pain. Therefore, if you cracked a tooth that was already dead, chances are you wouldn’t have felt any pain at all. - Tooth Previously Had A Root Canal
If the tooth, broken off at the gum line, already had a root canal before, you won’t feel any pain because the nerve is not present to send an impulse.
5 Steps To Follow After Your Tooth Breaks Off At Gum Line
So, what should you do in such a situation? Start with not panicking. It is urgent but not an emergency that requires immediate action. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
Here are five steps you can take:
- Save your broken piece tooth by placing it in a reseal able bag or coin pouch. This way, you can give it to your dentist when you visit.
- Examine your mouth in a mirror to note which tooth broke off. This information is helpful when explaining the situation to your dentist.
- Clean the site of action thoroughly by gently brushing and flossing. This will prevent edible debris from getting trapped, which could lead to swelling and inflammation if left unaddressed.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side as much as possible. Additionally, stay away from hard and crunchy foods that could cause further harm to the already chipped tooth at the gum line.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get the tooth fixed.
Closing Note
Contact Pearland Family Dentistry to learn more about this. Talk to our team at (832) 649-7344. You can also come to meet us at 11508 Pearland Pkwy Suite 600, Houston, TX 77089.