Chipped or broken teeth are common and, fortunately, treatable. But you shouldn’t ignore a broken tooth. Seeing a dentist quickly can prevent further damage or infection.
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to pain, infection, and even more extensive (and expensive) dental work down the line.
This article will cover the common causes of broken teeth, explain different treatment options, and offer tips on how to fix a broken tooth and prevent future dental damage.
What causes broken teeth?
Tooth fractures can happen in a variety of ways, from an accident to the slow wearing-down of tooth enamel. Here are some of the more common causes:
- Trauma. Accidents, falls, and sports injuries can all lead to a broken tooth.
- Decay. Cavities weaken the structure of the tooth, making it more prone to fracture.
- Large fillings. If you’ve had a large filling, the tooth may be more likely to break.
- Bruxism. Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially while you’re sleeping, can eventually cause a tooth to break.
- Biting hard objects. Chomping down on ice or hard candy, or using your teeth to open packages, can fracture a tooth.
Types of tooth fractures
Not all tooth fractures are created equal. Here are some of the different types of tooth fractures:
- Craze lines. These tiny cracks in the enamel are usually painless and don’t need treatment.
- Chipped tooth. A small piece of enamel breaks off.
- Fractured cusp. A piece of the chewing surface breaks off.
- Cracked tooth. A crack extends from the chewing surface toward the root.
- Split tooth. The tooth is divided into two separate parts.
- Root fracture. The fracture occurs below the gum line.
What to do immediately after breaking a tooth
A broken tooth can be scary. Here’s what you should do right away:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will clean the area and help keep swelling down.
- If the area is bleeding, apply pressure to it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth until it stops.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you’re in pain.
- If the broken tooth has a sharp edge, cover it with dental wax (available at most drug stores) or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and the inside of your cheek.
- Stick to soft foods, and try not to chew on the side of your mouth with the broken tooth.
- Put a cold compress on your cheek near the broken tooth. This can help with pain and swelling.
Most importantly, call your dentist right away and schedule an appointment.
Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth
So, you’ve chipped a tooth. What’s next? Thankfully, there are several ways to get that tooth looking and functioning like new again. The best option for you will depend on the severity of the chip and which tooth is affected.
Dental Filling or Bonding (for minor chips)
If the chip is small and doesn’t affect the tooth’s overall structure or pulp (the soft center of the tooth), a filling or bonding might be all you need.
With a filling, the dentist will remove any decay and fill the area with a composite resin or amalgam. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area and then hardening it with a special light.
Bonding is a quick, relatively inexpensive, and minimally invasive option, making it a popular choice for minor chips.
Dental Veneers (for front teeth)
For chipped or discolored front teeth where aesthetics are a major concern, dental veneers can be a great solution.
The procedure involves removing a very thin layer of enamel (about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters) and then bonding a custom-made porcelain veneer to the tooth surface. Think of it like a super-thin, super-strong shell that covers the front of the tooth.
Veneers look very natural, resist staining, and can significantly improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Treatment Options for More Severely Broken Teeth
If you’ve got a serious crack or break, you may need more involved procedures to get your tooth back in shape. Here are a couple of options:
Dental Crowns
If you’ve got extensive damage, decay, or some large breaks in the tooth, a crown may be the way to go.
To fit you with a crown, the dentist will remove any decay, shape the tooth so that the crown will fit snugly, and then take an impression to send to the lab. While the lab’s working on your permanent crown, the dentist will fit you with a temporary one.
In a couple of weeks, you’ll go back to have the permanent crown cemented in place. Crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.
Crowns are strong, durable, and can restore both the function and the appearance of the damaged tooth.
Root Canal Therapy (when the pulp is affected)
If the pulp of your tooth (which contains nerves and blood vessels) is exposed or infected, you’ll need root canal therapy.
During root canal therapy, the dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the root canal, and then fill it with a special material to prevent further infection. After root canal therapy, a crown is typically placed on the tooth to protect it.
Root canal therapy makes it possible to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted.
What to do if your tooth gets knocked out
If your tooth gets knocked out of your mouth, immediate action is key to saving it.
Here’s what to do:
- Handle the tooth carefully. Try not to touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Don’t scrub it.
- Try to put the tooth back in its socket. If that’s not possible, put it in milk or saline. You can also hold it between your cheek and gum.
- Go to the dentist immediately. Ideally, the tooth should be reimplanted within 30 minutes.
Even if reimplantation isn’t possible, a dentist can explore options like a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Final Thoughts
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing broken teeth. Make sure you brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for routine checkups.
You can also take preventative measures like wearing a mouthguard when you play sports, avoiding biting down on hard objects, and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Finally, if you do break a tooth, even if it seems minor, seek dental care as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage and restore your smile.