A broken tooth can happen in many different ways, from weakened enamel and cavities to a fall or grinding teeth. If you have a broken tooth that causes pain, we recommend making an appointment to see a dentist.
Read our complete guide to broken tooth repair, relief, and prevention from the team at Parkcrest Dental Group. Our dentists average 25 years of experience, and we’d be happy to help with your and your family’s dental care.
How do I handle a broken tooth at home until I see a dentist?
If you have a broken tooth that causes pain, call your dentist as soon as possible. Not only can your dentist alleviate the pain, but they can also recommend a treatment option that will fix the broken tooth.
Until you see your dentist, follow these steps:
1. Gently Rinse Your Mouth
Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth to keep the area clean. If there’s bleeding, rinse with salt water to help prevent infection.
2. Control Bleeding (If Any)
Apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to control any bleeding with the tooth. If bleeding continues after 10 minutes, use a tea bag to help clot the blood.
3. Reduce Pain and Swelling
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help control the pain. Apply a cold compress on your cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
4. Protect the Tooth
If the broken tooth has a sharp edge, cover it with dental wax, sugar-free gum, or a temporary dental repair kit. These are generally available at pharmacies. Avoid chewing on the side of the broken tooth. Stick to soft foods in the meantime.
5. Preserve a Knocked-Out or Large Broken Piece
If a significant part of the tooth has broken off, keep it in milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Do not scrub the fragment. Instead, bring it to your dentist when you have a dental emergency.
6. Avoid Further Damage
Stay away from extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that can cause sensitivity to the broken tooth. Don’t use the broken tooth for chewing until your dentist examines it.
When is a broken tooth a dental emergency?
Call us immediately with a dental emergency at (417) 887-1220 if your broken tooth causes these symptoms:
- Severe Pain – If the tooth is causing intense or persistent pain, it could indicate nerve damage or an infection. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible can alleviate the pain and start treatment right away.
- Excessive Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, call an emergency dentist about your broken tooth.
- Sharp or Jagged Edges – If the broken tooth has a sharp edge that could cut your tongue, cheek, or gums, this could lead to other problems in your mouth.
- Significant Break or Large Missing Piece – If a major portion of the tooth is missing, it may need immediate repair. Saving your natural tooth is the best way to maintain your smile and for the most effective chewing.
- Swelling or Signs of Infection – If you notice swelling, pus, a bad taste, or fever, it could indicate an infection or abscess. Taking care of this right away can prevent worsening symptoms.
- Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth – If the adult tooth is extremely loose or has been completely knocked out, time is of the essence. Seeing a dentist within 30–60 minutes increases the chance of saving the tooth.
What are the types of broken teeth?
When your doctor sees your broken tooth, they will assess your mouth. Your treatment will vary based on what kind of cracked tooth occurs, how much of the tooth is left, and what type of damage it is.
1. Craze Lines (Minor Cracks)
Craze lines come from tiny surface cracks in the enamel that typically do not cause pain or affect your tooth’s function. They are purely a cosmetic issue and are common in adults due to normal wear and tear. Treatment is usually unnecessary unless for aesthetic reasons, in which case polishing or bonding can be done. Dental veneers might also be an option.
2. Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth occurs when a small piece of enamel breaks off, often due to biting on something hard or a sudden trauma. This type of damage may cause slight sensitivity, but it is usually not painful or urgent. Treatment options include smoothing the rough edges, dental bonding, or applying a porcelain veneer for cosmetic purposes.
3. Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth involves a deeper break that may extend to the inner parts of the tooth. It often causes pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold, or intermittent discomfort. Your dentist can treat a cracked tooth using a range of remedies, such as bonding or a crown to a root canal if the crack reaches the pulp. Severe cases may require extraction.
4. Fractured Cusp
A fractured cusp happens when part of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. This usually occurs near a filling. A fractured cusp typically does not affect the inner layers of the tooth. Since this rarely causes pain, treatment may only involve replacing the filling or placing a crown for extra protection. However, if the fracture is deep enough, your dentist may recommend a root canal to prevent further damage.
5. Split Tooth
A split tooth happens when a crack extends through the entire tooth, often as a result of an untreated cracked tooth worsening over time. It usually causes pain when biting. You might see a visible separation of the tooth into two or more parts with a large gap in between. If detected early, part of the split tooth may be salvaged with a crown. In many cases, your doctor may recommend a tooth extraction.
6. Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture starts at the root of the tooth and moves upward. These can often develop unnoticed until symptoms appear. It may not cause immediate pain. However, a vertical root fracture can lead to infection, swelling, or discomfort in the surrounding gums. Treatment is often difficult because the problem is beneath the gumline and is rarely visible. An extraction is the most common treatment. In some cases, a root canal may help preserve the tooth.
7. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, occurs when the entire tooth is dislodged from its socket. This happens due to trauma, such as a sudden blow to the face. This situation is considered a dental emergency. Immediate care within 30 to 60 minutes can increase the chances of saving the tooth. Store the tooth in milk or saline during transport. If handled properly, a dentist may be able to reattach it successfully with oral surgery.
How does dental bonding fix a broken tooth?
Dental bonding represents a simple and effective treatment to repair a broken tooth. Your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the remaining tooth. This resin is a durable, plastic-based composite. It can be shaped and polished to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.
Bonding is commonly used for minor chips, cracks, or fractures. It also improves the overall appearance of a tooth. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually does not require anesthesia unless the damage is near a nerve.
Dental Bonding Process
The process begins when your dentist slightly roughens the surface of the broken tooth. Then, they apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere. After the conditioner, your dentist carefully applies the composite material and molds it into the desired shape.
A curing light hardens the material. This light helps solidify the resin within seconds, making a strong bond between the material and the natural tooth. Multiple layers may be applied to achieve the proper shape and durability.
Once the resin is fully hardened, your dentist will further shape and polish it to match the natural contours and sheen of the tooth. This final step ensures that the bonded area blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Dental bonding typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You’ll have one appointment.
Dental Bonding Is Cost-Effective and Non-Invasive
Dental bonding offers a solution for repairing broken teeth that’s both cost-effective and non-invasive. However, it is not as strong as crowns or veneers. The bonded material may wear down over time, especially if you bite down on hard objects like ice or hard candies. Teeth grinding can also wear down dental bonding. With proper care, dental bonding can last several years. This process will significantly improve the function and appearance of your chipped tooth.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. They offer a more permanent solution for a broken tooth, especially if it is severely broken, cracked, or decayed.
Dental labs custom-make crowns from sturdy materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. Crowns restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance to be as close to the original as possible. Your dentist might recommend a dental crown for a broken tooth that cannot be repaired with simple fillings or bonding.
Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a crown typically needs two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist reshapes the damaged tooth by removing any decayed or weakened areas. This creates space for the crown. An impression or digital scan is then taken to ensure a custom fit. You’ll get a temporary crown placed on the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
In the second visit, the final crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth, fully restoring its function and appearance. Your dentist expertly places the crown for optimal performance.
How a Dental Crown Works
A dental crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, preventing further damage and reinforcing its structure. The durable crown helps distribute biting forces evenly, reducing the risk of fractures. Crowns are particularly beneficial for teeth with large fillings, root canal-treated teeth, or teeth that have suffered significant trauma.
How Long Dental Crowns Last
With proper care, dental crowns can last a lifetime. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help maintain their longevity. This ensures they continue to protect and enhance the tooth. While durable crowns may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to wear or damage, they are very effective for fixing broken teeth.
How does a root canal fix a broken tooth?
A root canal treats a tooth with severe damage or infection affecting the inner parts of the tooth, which can cause severe pain. The inner pulp and soft tissue can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing pain, abscess formation, and even tooth loss. The goal of a root canal is to remove the infected tissue, relieve pain, and preserve the tooth’s structure.
Process of a Root Canal
Your dentist begins by numbing the area in your mouth so you won’t feel any pain. They create a small opening in the tooth surface to access the pulp chamber underneath. Using specialized instruments, your doctor removes the damaged or infected pulp and thoroughly cleans the inside of the tooth. They will reinforce and clean the root canals, narrow chambers that stretch from the soft pulp down to the root of the tooth.
After disinfecting the area, your dentist fills the empty space with a rubber-like material to prevent future infection. The opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Covering With a Crown
A root canal alone does not fully restore the strength of a broken tooth. Your dentist may recommend placing a crown over it for protection. The crown helps reinforce the tooth, preventing further damage and restoring its natural function and appearance. Without a crown, the tooth may become brittle and more prone to breaking over time.
A root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help maintain the restored tooth’s health and function.
How can I prevent a broken tooth?
Preventing a broken tooth starts with protecting your teeth from damage and maintaining good oral health.
Avoid Chewing on Hard Items
Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies, which can crack or chip your teeth. If you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing on pens, try to stop. These actions can weaken tooth enamel over time.
Wear a Mouthguard
Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist provides the best protection. It does this by cushioning your teeth against impact or excessive pressure. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), a night guard can help prevent fractures caused by constant clenching.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene keeps teeth strong and less prone to breaking. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Addressing cavities and small cracks early can prevent them from worsening and leading to serious fractures.
Other Factors
Lastly, be mindful of how you use your teeth and avoid using them as tools to open bottles or tear packaging. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D strengthens your teeth, making them more resistant to cracks and breaks.
Importance of Regular Visits to the Dentist
Regular visits to the dentist can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. We’re happy to help! Please call (417) 887-1220 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
