A broken or fractured tooth is a common injury. Many people ignore the damage, especially if there is no initial pain. However, a break creates an immediate pathway for oral bacteria to invade the delicate internal structure of the tooth. Ignoring a broken tooth transforms a localized structural problem into a spreading biological threat, increasing the risk of serious infection and vastly complicating necessary medical intervention.
Worsening Damage and Nerve Exposure
The tooth consists of three main layers: the hard outer enamel, the softer dentin beneath it, and the central pulp chamber, which houses the nerves and blood vessels. When a fracture penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin, heightened sensitivity is often the first consequence. Dentin is composed of microscopic tubules that lead directly to the pulp, and exposure causes sharp pain in response to thermal changes.
If the break extends deeper, it exposes the pulp to oral bacteria. This bacterial invasion causes inflammation of the nerve tissue, known as pulpitis, which produces intense, lingering pain. The resulting swelling cuts off the blood supply to the delicate pulp tissue, leading to the death or necrosis of the nerve.
Formation of Abscess and Localized Infection
Once the nerve dies, the pulp chamber becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that travel down the root canals. These bacteria and their toxins exit the root tip and enter the surrounding jawbone and gum tissue. This triggers a localized immune response, resulting in the formation of a dental abscess, a pocket of pus that accumulates at the root tip.
The infection causes bone destruction, and the resulting pressure buildup leads to severe, throbbing pain that can radiate into the jaw, neck, or ear. Other common symptoms of an acute abscess include facial or gum swelling, a fever, or a foul taste if the pus drains. If left untreated, the abscess continues to erode the surrounding bone, potentially leading to tooth loss and chronic inflammation.
Impact on Overall Health
A dental abscess is not always contained to the area surrounding the tooth; the infection can spread into the soft tissues of the face and neck. This uncontrolled spread can lead to cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues that causes extensive swelling. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to distant organs, creating systemic health risks.
Chronic oral infection has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, as the inflammatory state and the presence of oral bacteria can contribute to the narrowing of arteries. In vulnerable individuals, such as those with pre-existing heart conditions, the bacteria can colonize the heart lining, leading to endocarditis. Untreated dental infection places a strain on the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other health problems.
Increased Complexity of Necessary Treatment
Delaying treatment for a broken tooth increases the complexity, time commitment, and financial expense of the dental intervention. A small chip addressed early might only require a simple procedure like dental bonding or a filling, often completed in a single visit. If that break is ignored until the nerve becomes infected and an abscess forms, the treatment changes entirely.
The subsequent treatment involves a more invasive and costly procedure, typically root canal therapy to clean out the infected pulp and seal the inner structure. Following a root canal, the tooth often requires a full dental crown to protect the weakened structure from further fracture. If the fracture is severe or the infection has destroyed too much bone, the only remaining option may be extraction, followed by replacement with a bridge or a dental implant.