Broken Molar

The back teeth, known as molars, are put through a lot. These teeth are responsible for chewing foods so that you can easily swallow them and your digestive system can easily digest them. You depend on your molars every day to keep your body fueled, and because they go through so much usage, they can become worn down or damaged over time. A broken molar repair is one of the most common dental treatments provided by dentists nationwide.

Some of the most common causes of a broken molar include:

• A facial injury that involves being struck in the face
• Biting into hard candy can cause the molar to crack, break, or chip
• Chewing chewy candy can lift out a filling from a back tooth, causing the tooth to lose necessary support
• Chewing on ice can cause small cracks in the tooth enamel, eventually leading to a broken molar
• Failure to treat cavities can weaken the tooth enamel, causing it to break easily
• Grinding your teeth

Is a Broken Molar a Tooth Emergency?

The short answer is YES. Any time there is damage to a tooth inside your mouth, your entire smile is susceptible to more damage and decay. All of your teeth work together to support one another and to stabilize your jawbone. If a broken molar is not taken care of promptly, you are making your entire smile vulnerable to severe dental problems in the future.

Most broken molars are painful. Whether you think you have a “toothache,” or you knew the exact moment you incurred damage to your molar, you need to have it seen by a dentist as soon as possible. Tooth pain will only get worse over time. There is no “waiting for it to heal” because it simply will not do so. Any time you feel a toothache that comes and goes, extreme sensitivity to pressure or temperature changes, or feel a throbbing sensation in a tooth, you need to call the dentist.

At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we are here for all of your dental care needs. Whether you need to receive emergency dental treatment for a broken molar or you are looking for a dental practice to trust, Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is here for you. Contact us today.