How Can You Fix a Broken Tooth?

Does it hurt when you bite down? Feel sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods? Does the pain come and go? If you answered yes to some of these questions, you might be dealing with a broken tooth. Let’s take a closer look at what a broken tooth could mean for your oral health.

What Is a Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth is when your tooth gets damaged and develops cracks or fractures. This condition can occur suddenly, while in some cases, it may slowly develop from wear and tear.

There Are Different Ways a Tooth May Develop a Crack. This Is Explained Below:

• Cracked tooth: In this type of condition, a vertical crack builds up that extends from the biting surface to the gum line of the tooth. 

• Craze line: Some people just develop a thin crack that appears in the tooth’s outer enamel. Usually, it’s small and very thin.

• Fractured cusp: In this type of broken tooth, the crack forms around a dental filling.

• Split tooth: In this instance as well, the crack progresses from the tooth’s surface to a point below the gumline. However, it’s serious as here the tooth gets split into two parts.

• Vertical root fracture: In this condition, the crack originates at the gum line and progresses toward the tooth’s surface.

Is a Broken Tooth a Serious Injury?

A broken tooth isn’t always a serious emergency. As previously mentioned, broken teeth can occur in various forms. Essentially, the severity depends on how deep the crack extends. If the crack reaches the tooth’s pulp (nerves and blood vessels), it increases the risk of infection. Therefore, even minor breaks should be examined by a dentist to prevent further complications.

What Are the Signs of a Broken Tooth?

Though there may not always be symptoms, however, the common ones are mentioned below:

1. Swelling around the affected tooth

2. Sensitivity to sweet food 

3. Toothache upon chewing

4. Sensitivity to cold and hot food items or water

If not timely treated, more symptoms can add up, like,

• Bad breath 
• Fever 
• Swollen gums
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Tooth pain that does not go away

What Causes a Broken Tooth?

Here are some of the most common causes of a broken tooth:

1. Biting on hard foods: Some foods have been found guilty of causing broken tooth problems. 

2. Age: Broken teeth are more common in older individuals. As you grow older, your teeth become weaker as they wear down.

3. Dental treatments: Sometimes, when a person gets a large dental filling or root canal but does not get a dental crown, they may end up developing a crack in the tooth.

4. Bruxism: Also commonly known as tooth grinding, it has also been known to cause cracks in a tooth.

5. Dental Trauma: Physically getting hit on a tooth can also severely hurt and break your tooth.

How Are Cracked Teeth Diagnosed?

A dentist will examine your condition by doing the following:

1. They will ask you to bite down on a stick to observe if you feel pain.

2. Examine the crack and its accompanied signs.

3. Transillliminate the crack to evaluate its severity.

4. They also use staining dye to check how severe is a tooth crack.

5. They use a periodontal probe to detect a crack. It can indicate the presence of a fracture and also tell how long it extends. 

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the extent of the damage. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. A dental bonding, where the crack will be filled up with resin. If you have minor cracks or chips in your tooth enamel, this is generally the recommended course of action. Basically, when the damage is not severe enough to require a crown or other extensive treatment.

2. Dental contouring is another common treatment that is also recommended for small chips. It’s sometimes done alongside bonding for better results. 

3. A dental crown is a ceramic cap that is fitted over the cracked tooth. It helps the tooth restore its function and strength. When your crack is large enough to affect the tooth’s structure and ability to chew, the dentist may recommend this procedure. 

4. When the crack extends to the pulp, causing infection and nerve damage, a root canal procedure is typically required. A root canal can save you from extraction. This procedure is typically performed before placing a dental crown to restore function.

5.  If a crack has caused severe damage to the root and nerves, you will have to undergo tooth extraction surgery to stop the infection from spreading. After the tooth is extracted, a dental bridge or implant can be used to restore the gap.

Do You Have Signs of a Broken Tooth?

We hope we are equipped with enough knowledge to evaluate your condition. However, it’s always better to consult a professional dentist as you may misunderstand things. Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly. For your convenience, we offer appointments 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Schedule your consultation today.

FAQs

1. Can a broken tooth wait a week?

The answer depends on the severity of the break. Minor cracks or chips might not require immediate attention. However, if the tooth is severely fractured, causing significant pain or sensitivity, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care promptly. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of infection and further damage to the tooth.

2. How long is it safe to leave a broken tooth?

It’s generally best to see a dentist within a few days. If the tooth is broken to the point that the pulp (nerve) is exposed, it can become infected quickly, leading to pain, swelling, and possibly abscesses. Even without visible pain, it’s safer to get it checked sooner rather than later to avoid complications.

3. How long before a broken tooth becomes infected?

A broken tooth can become infected quickly, especially if the tooth’s pulp is exposed. This can happen within days or even hours, depending on the extent of the break and exposure to bacteria. If you’re feeling pain, swelling, or discomfort, an infection could already be developing, and prompt dental attention is needed.

4. Will a broken tooth eventually stop hurting?

In some cases, a broken tooth might stop hurting temporarily if the nerves are no longer exposed or the tooth is not actively being irritated. However, the pain could return if an infection develops or if the tooth continues to deteriorate. It’s important to address the issue rather than wait for the pain to subside.

5. Should you still brush a broken tooth?

Yes, you should continue brushing a broken tooth gently to maintain oral hygiene, especially to avoid infection. Be careful not to brush too hard, as this could cause further damage. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the broken area if it’s very sensitive.

6. What not to do with a broken tooth?

1. Avoid chewing on the broken tooth: This can cause further damage or pain.
2. Don’t use over-the-counter dental kits for permanent fixes, as they are only temporary solutions.
3. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks: These can trigger pain if the tooth is exposed.
4. Don’t ignore the problem: Even if the pain goes away, the damage can still worsen and lead to infection or other issues.