How to Handle a Broken Tooth

Whether it’s a small crack or a larger piece, a broken tooth is no fun. Fortunately, your dentist can help you quickly get on the road to recovery.

In today’s blog post, we’ll cover causes of a broken tooth as well as different treatment options.

To start, a broken tooth can be caused by various circumstances, including:

• A fall to the ground or hit to the face
• Pressure from grinding your teeth
• Biting down on something hard, like ice or candy
• Tooth decay or cavities that have made the tooth weak

Broken teeth are categorized in various ways. When there is a vertical line from the biting surface of your tooth to the gum line, it is considered a cracked tooth. Hairline cracks (or craze lines) appear only on the enamel. They are typically small and pain-free. If you have a fracture around a previous filing, it is called a fractured cusp. A split tooth is exactly what it sounds like: The fracture goes below the gum line, splitting your tooth into two separate sections. Finally, a vertical root fracture refers to a crack that begins at the bottom of the tooth and travels to the biting surface. 

Each broken tooth is unique and requires a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Your broken tooth may or may not be a dental emergency. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or a partially or completely extracted tooth, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. If a portion of a tooth or an entire tooth breaks, it’s also critical to make an appointment. The longer a tooth is broken, the higher risk of pain and/or infection. 

Your dentist’s approach to fixing your broken tooth depends on the severity and type of break. It may be as simple as a single dental visit or as complex as multiple appointments. To fix a broken teeth, your dentist may use:

Dental bonding

This approach allows us to quickly treat and harden a composite resin over breaks or cracks, fusing the tooth back together. It is a cost-effective alternative to veneers (more on those below!).

Dental crowns

A cavity or tooth decay weakens your tooth and makes it prone to fracturing. If this cause led to your broken tooth, your dentist may opt for a dental crown. This “cap” covers the entire surface of the damaged tooth for added strength and stability. It blends beautifully with your natural teeth.

Dental veneers

If you’re struggling with multiple chipped or cracked teeth, this cosmetic treatment allows you to achieve a more uniform and natural-looking smile. Veneers are custom-made out of a porcelain, which is naturally stain- and decay-resistant. With the proper care, they can last for many years. 

Know that, at Maitland Ave Smile Co., we’ve seen it all! No dental emergency is too big.

Got a broken tooth? Reach out today!

 

Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your next appointment! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.