All About Broken Tooth Treatment
What to Know About Dental Treatment for Broken Teeth
A broken tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. It’s a dental emergency. Acting quickly can reduce your risk of infection and prevent the fracture from worsening. Understanding the available treatments will help you make an informed decision when you’re in the dentist’s chair. Below, we’ll explain what to do in a dental emergency, how fractures are diagnosed, and the best dental treatments for broken teeth.
What to Do After Immediately Breaking a Tooth
Knowing what to do with a fractured tooth right after the injury occurs can significantly improve the chances of saving the natural tooth structure.
First, rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away blood and debris. If the injury causes bleeding, apply pressure using a clean piece of gauze for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce facial swelling.
If you can find the broken tooth fragments, place them in a small container of milk or saline solution and bring them to your dentist. We can sometimes reattach these pieces. Finally, cover any sharp, jagged edges of the remaining tooth with sugar-free chewing gum or orthodontic wax to protect your mouth from accidental cuts.
How Dental Providers Diagnose the Severity of a Broken Tooth
Before recommending a treatment for fractured tooth damage, Dr. Gunning must accurately assess the depth and location of the crack. Some chips are entirely cosmetic, while others hide beneath the gum line and threaten the tooth root.
He starts by asking about your pain symptoms. Sharp pain when biting indicates a vertical crack, while lingering sensitivity to cold temperatures points to nerve irritation. Next, Dr. Gunning will perform a visual examination, often using a specialized magnifying glass and a bite test to locate the exact fracture line.
We also rely on digital X-rays or 3D scans to view the internal root structure and assess any associated bone loss. They may also use a periodontal probe to check the surrounding gums for inflammation, which often accompanies vertical root fractures.
Types of Broken Teeth Treatments
Dental treatments for broken teeth vary based on the location of the break and the patient’s long-term oral health goals. Types of broken teeth treatments include:
- Dental Bonding – Dental bonding is an effective treatment for minor tooth fractures. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, which is then hardened with a special light. This procedure can usually be done in one office visit and provides immediate results.
- Crowns – Crowns are used to cover and protect severely broken or weakened teeth. This treatment involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and placing a custom-made crown over it. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or ceramic.
- Root Canal Therapy – If the fracture has reached the tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged or infected tissue in the tooth’s root and filling it with a special material. A crown is then placed over the treated tooth.
- Tooth Extraction – In cases where the fracture can’t be repaired, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. This is typically used as a last resort when other treatments aren’t possible or unsuccessful. After extraction, replacement options include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
What Is the Fractured Cusp Treatment?
The cusp is the elevated, pointed chewing surface of a molar or premolar. When this area breaks off, you’ll likely experience sharp, localized pain whenever you bite down on food. A fractured cusp treatment usually involves placing a dental inlay or an onlay.
Unlike a full dental crown that covers the entire tooth, an onlay only replaces the missing cusp and the surrounding biting surface. Dental laboratories craft these custom restorations from durable porcelain or composite resin. This targeted treatment preserves far more of the healthy, natural tooth structure than a traditional crown, all while fully restoring your bite force.
How to Protect Your Smile and Prevent Future Dental Fractures
After undergoing a restorative dental procedure, safeguarding your teeth against future trauma is essential. Avoid chewing on excessively hard objects such as ice cubes, unpopped popcorn kernels, hard candies, and pen caps. Additionally, adults and children participating in contact sports must consistently wear athletic mouthguards to shield their teeth from unexpected, high-impact collisions. Taking these proactive steps ensures your newly repaired smile remains intact for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a broken tooth can’t heal on its own. Unlike bones, tooth enamel doesn’t contain living cells capable of regenerating. You must visit a licensed dentist to repair the structural damage and prevent harmful bacteria from infecting the inner pulp.
Patients generally need a few days of rest following a tooth extraction. The gum tissue will take several weeks to fully heal, and patients often wait up to six months before undergoing the final dental implant placement procedure.
Dental crowns are highly durable and act as a long-term solution for cracked teeth. With proper oral hygiene and routine professional cleanings, a porcelain crown can easily last 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement.
Keep You Smile Strong. Schedule an Appointment Today
Maintaining these restorative treatments requires a commitment to consistent at-home care and regular dentist check-ups. By following post-operative instructions and protecting your dental work from excessive force, you can ensure the longevity of both your implants and crowns. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how our team at Signature Smiles Dentistry can restore your smile.