Effective ways to fix a broken tooth

A broken tooth can happen to anyone at any time. Even the strongest teeth can crack or fracture when they meet a hard candy or facial trauma from an accident. Knowing what to do and being able to act quickly could save your tooth and help your dentist restore your smile. 

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of a broken tooth, ways to fix a break, and tips to help you avoid a dental emergency in the first place. If you have a chip or crack that needs attention, schedule an appointment with your local Aspen Dental team. We’ll quickly diagnose the severity of your broken tooth and recommend a treatment plan to get you smiling again. 

Causes of broken or chipped teeth

There are a number of ways someone’s tooth can break or chip. Here are some of the most common: 

Sports injury or trauma

Sports injuries are a common way teeth are injured. Whether a rogue lacrosse ball hits someone in the face or a cyclist goes over the handlebars for a hard fall on pavement, sudden trauma without proper mouth protection could lead to a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth.

Eating hard food or candies

You may have the same eating habits for years without issue until one day, you bite into a candy and instantly know something is wrong. Hard foods, like popcorn kernels, ice, and foods with pits or bones, can cause even the strongest teeth to break. Additionally, biting nails or using your teeth as tools (such as to open bags or bottles) can damage your teeth over time.

Bruxism

Overtime, bruxism can lead to crazed lines. Although these are often small and undetectable, they can lead to large fractures in the future when the crack propagates.

Cavities

Cavities can create holes within the teeth where the enamel and dentin, or the hard outer layers protecting teeth, erode. As decay progresses, the tooth becomes brittle and more prone to breaking or chipping under pressure, such as during chewing or bruxism. If left untreated, cavities can deepen, causing significant structural damage and increasing the likelihood of fractures.

Dental treatments

Certain treatments, like a large dental filling, may actually increase your chances of a crack since the tooth is weakened. For this reason, some dental procedures that weaken teeth, like a filling or root canal, may also include capping the tooth with a dental crown. Dental crowns can help prevent future breaks by strengthening the tooth.

Types of tooth injuries

There are several types of tooth injuries you might experience, and each one will require different dental care. The most common injuries include: 

Loose tooth

A loose tooth is a injury that happens when a tooth shifts in the mouth, but not so much so that it breaks or falls out. A loose tooth may resolve on its own, but it's smart to check in with your dentist to be sure there's not a more serious issue and that further treatment, such as splinting or a night guard, isn't required to inhibit proper healing.

Knocked-out tooth

A tooth that fully dislodges from the mouth will need to be put back in quickly, within a few hours, to save the tooth. It’s important to seek care for a knocked-out permanent tooth as quickly as possible. 

Chipped tooth

A chip in the tooth happens when a bit of enamel breaks off, which can feel like a rough edge or be a noticeable missing piece. Chips tend to be fairly painless, and they're often not considered a dental emergency.

Fractured tooth

A fractured tooth, sometimes referred to as a cracked or broken tooth, is when a break goes down to the tooth’s pulp. A break is generally very painful. In some cases, your dentist may need to do a root canal to save the original tooth or, in many cases, extract it entirely.

Steps to take after breaking a tooth

If you experience a broken tooth, it’s important that you know the right action to take. Follow these steps: 

Retrieve any broken pieces that have fallen out of your mouth, if possible

Store them in a clean, dry container or a glass of milk until you reach the dentist's office.

Call your dentist as soon as possible

If you’re not well enough to do so, have a loved one call your dentist to tell them what happened and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Aspen Dental offers emergency dental services, so you can find an office near you if you need immediate help.

Rinse your mouth

Do not brush the broken tooth or area around it if you feel discomfort, as this could cause further damage.

Ways to fix a broken tooth

Your dentist will assess your tooth to determine the type of break, then create a treatment plan accordingly. A minor chip will need a far less invasive treatment than a full break. Here are the most common procedures dentists use to treat a broken tooth. 

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure used to treat minor chips and cracks. Your dentist will choose a shade of resin that closely matches your natural teeth, then mold the resin to the desired shape where your chip or crack needs to be restored. They’ll apply the resin and use a curing light to ensure it hardens against your tooth. After, they’ll polish your tooth to ensure it looks as natural as possible. Bonding tends to be a cost-effective treatment option that can last up to a decade with proper oral care. 

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that can cover minor chips or cracks. A veneer can be placed over the front or tip of your tooth, meaning it's a great treatment option for cracks or chips on the front and incisal edge surfaces of teeth. 

To place a veneer, your dentist will remove a bit of enamel from the front of the tooth, then bond and cure the veneer to ensure it stays put over the long term. Your dentist will then clean and polish the tooth and ensure your bite feels natural. 

Veneers are a bit more costly, but they can last ten years or more depending on the material used and oral hygiene. Since veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they may not be covered by dental insurance plans. However, the price of veneers can vary based on the type you get and your location, so it’s best to consult your local dentist to confirm the cost for your unique dental situation. 

Dental crown

A dental crown is a full tooth covering or tooth cap that can provide support that allows you to keep your original tooth. Your dentist may suggest a crown when bonding and veneers can’t fix a break. Dental crowns can be a good option as long as the break isn’t too severe. The cost of a dental crown can vary, but crowns can last an average of 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Root canal

Root canal treatment may be necessary when a broken tooth exposes some of the dental pulp. During a root canal, your dentist will remove any infected dental pulp and then fill the tooth to create a stable foundation for a dental crown, if needed. 

The cost of a root canal varies depending on which tooth is being treated, how much your insurance will cover, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional treatments required afterward, like a dental crown or bridge. 

Act quickly when you have a broken tooth

Dealing with a broken tooth can be a stressful and painful experience, but there are several effective ways to address the issue. Immediate steps like rinsing your mouth and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate discomfort until professional treatment is available. Visiting a dentist promptly is crucial to determine the best course of action, whether it be dental bonding, veneers, a crown, or a root canal. Taking swift action relieves pain and prevents further damage, ensuring your oral health is restored and maintained in the long run.

If you have a broken tooth and need immediate help, Aspen Dental’s emergency care services can help. Whether you need an emergency tooth extraction or dental implants, we can provide you with the care you need. You can schedule an appointment or visit an office near you today.

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