MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fractured tooth

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Fractured tooth

A tooth can be chipped or fractured during an accident or a bad fall. A tooth that is chipped or not badly fractured can usually be handled on a nonemergency basis. A tooth that is badly fractured may have exposed nerve tissue inside the tooth. In this case, immediate attention is needed to avoid infection, abscess, and pain.

Update Date: 12/5/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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