Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a broken tooth

by Armani Effertz Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Basic Treatments for a Broken Tooth:

  • Root canal - Most adults will have to have a root canal to remove the affected nerve. ...
  • Dental Filling – A filling can be used to fill the area before a cap is applied. This serves to fill any cavities and prevent any further damage.
  • Tooth removal – Sometimes the tooth cannot be saved and your dentist will have to remove it. ...

Dental Filling or Bonding
If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.
Sep 13, 2020

Full Answer

What is the best home remedy for a broken tooth?

Treatment for Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth

  • Handle teeth carefully because damage may prevent reimplantation.
  • Touch only the crown, the top part of the tooth. Do not touch the root of the tooth.
  • Rinse the tooth gently in a bowl of lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds only if there is dirt or foreign matter on it. ...

What is the best way to repair a broken tooth?

  • Rinse the mouth with warm water or saltwater
  • Apply pressure to stop the bleeding
  • Use an ice pack to help reduce any swelling
  • Take acetaminophen for pain relief (do not take aspirin, which could increase the bleeding)
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth
  • Avoid hard foods like hard candy

More items...

How much does it cost to repair a broken tooth?

Cost to Fix Broken Tooth Depending on the break's severity, the cost to fix a broken tooth varies from $300 up to $2,000 without insurance. In some cases, fixing a broken tooth can cost up to $10,000 without insurance, especially when extensive work, including extraction, an implant, and a crown, is needed.

What is the best pain relief for a cracked tooth?

  • When to See a Dentist
  • 10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache 1. Apply a cold compress. 2. Take an anti-inflammatory. 3. Rinse with salt water. 4. Use a hot pack. 5. Try acupressure. 6. ...
  • What to Expect at the Dentist
  • Preventing Tooth Pain

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What is the best treatment for a broken tooth?

Some of those dental treatment options for broken tooth include the following:Crown. Crowns can be useful in covering the entire affected portion. ... Veneers. The custom-made colored shells use porcelain or composite resin material. ... Dental implant. ... Bonding. ... Root canal. ... Filling. ... Dental sealants.

Is a broken tooth an emergency?

A broken tooth often warrants a visit to an emergency dental office. In fact, tooth fractures are one of the most common dental emergencies.

Does a broken tooth have to be pulled?

If a damaged tooth can be restored, whether by filling, root canal, or crown, saving your natural tooth is the best choice. In some cases, however, the damage can be so extensive that the tooth simply cannot be saved. In these circumstances, the best alternative is to have the tooth extracted, or taken out.

Does a broken tooth require a root canal?

The most common cause of front-tooth fracture is trauma or physical injury. For fractures where the tooth pulp is not affected, a root canal will not be necessary, except if patients show signs of pulpitis (pulp infection). If the pulp gets exposed due to breakage, a root canal will certainly be necessary.

What happens if half of your tooth breaks off?

If your tooth cracks in half, call your dental office immediately to set up an appointment. Make sure to let them know, your tooth is cracked in half. A broken tooth is not something you should put off. It could get worse and become infected.

Can you live with broken tooth?

Sure, you can probably live with a cracked tooth. There may be minimal pain and it might not even show when you smile-but there are many dangers to living with a fractured tooth that could affect your oral health for years to come. A tooth can crack/fracture when there is a weak spot or trauma to the tooth.

Why does my broken tooth not hurt?

For many people, pain drives them to the dental chair with a tooth injury. However, a cracked or chipped tooth doesn't always hurt. If the break in your tooth doesn't reach the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth which contains the tooth's nerve endings—it likely won't hurt.

How does a dentist remove a tooth broken at the gum?

Extrusion (moving your tooth very slowly out of the socket) is a technique your dentist may use to save a tooth broken below your gum line. During this technique, you'll wear braces or aligners that induce downward force over many weeks on the broken tooth to pull the top of the tooth above your gum line.

Is it better to have a root canal or extraction?

In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.

Can you put a crown on a broken tooth?

Dental crowns are the only option for repairing a broken or severely damaged tooth that cannot be fixed with veneers, onlays or fillings. If the broken tooth is at the risk of falling apart, the crown will reinforce the tooth and hold it in place. They are the most effective way to protect against infection.

When can a tooth not be saved?

However, saving your tooth is not always possible. If your tooth is cracked or broken due to trauma, especially below the gum line, there may not be any way to preserve the tooth.

Why are my teeth breaking all of a sudden?

So, if your teeth are prone to breaking, it might be due to one of the following causes. Grinding and Clenching Teeth: These habits wear away dental enamel. Poor Oral Care: Decay, cavities, lack of pulp – all can result in brittle teeth due to: Inadequate brushing, which eventually destroys the tooth pulp.

How to heal a broken tooth?

After suffering a broken tooth, here are the steps patients can take to reduce additional damage before going to the dentist: 1 Rinse the mouth with warm water or saltwater 2 Apply pressure to stop the bleeding 3 Use an ice pack to help reduce any swelling 4 Take acetaminophen for pain relief (do not take aspirin, which could increase the bleeding) 5 Avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth 6 Avoid hard foods like hard candy 7 Use dental wax over the broken tooth’s chewing surface to protect the gums

How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?

Cost to Fix Broken Tooth. Depending on the break's severity, the cost to fix a broken tooth varies from $300 up to $2,000 without insurance. In some cases, fixing a broken tooth can cost up to $10,000 without insurance, especially when extensive work, including extraction, an implant, and a crown, is needed.

When is a Cracked Tooth Not an Emergency?

If the only damage is on the surface of the tooth, it may not be an emergency.

What is a dental bond?

Dental Bonding or Filling. For situations where only a small piece of enamel has chipped off, a dentist can repair the damage with a dental filling. Dental fillings can be made of a white composite resin or silver amalgam (mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper).

What to do if your tooth falls out?

If your tooth falls out, use gauze to grab it by the crown. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. If this isn't possible, place the tooth in water, milk, or saline solution. Make an emergency appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Try to arrive within 30 minutes.

What happens if a tooth is cracked?

1. Broken Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant. If the tooth’s crack extends below the gum line, the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted (removed). Extraction is usually the only option when the crack is vertical, below the gum line, involves the roots, and when pieces are mobile. After the tooth is extracted, a dental implant is ...

What is the best way to replace a tooth that is missing?

Fillings close the hole and restore the function of the tooth. If a tooth is missing a large portion, a dental inlay can replace the missing part of the tooth. This restoration is often stronger and more durable than a dental filling.

How to fix a broken tooth?

Rinse your mouth with salt water. If the break has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek. If you must eat, eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth.

What is the best way to cover a broken tooth?

If a large piece of tooth breaks off or the tooth has a lot of decay, the dentist may grind or file away part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a crown, or tooth-shaped cap, made to protect the tooth and improve its appearance.

How to care for a chipped tooth?

How to Care for a Chipped or Broken Tooth. If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth. In the meantime, try the following self-care measures:

What is a veneer for a broken tooth?

A dental veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite material that covers the whole front of the tooth (much like a false nail covers a fingernail) with a thicker section to replace the broken part of the tooth.

How do dentists bond teeth?

To bond a tooth, the dentist first etches its surface with a liquid or gel to roughen it and make the bonding material stick to it. Next, the dentist applies an adhesive material to the tooth followed by a tooth-colored resin.

What causes a tooth to break?

Falling, receiving a blow to the face, or biting down on something hard -- particularly if a tooth already has some decay -- can cause a tooth to chip or break. If you discover you have broken or chipped a tooth, don't panic. There are many things your dentist can do to fix it.

What is the procedure called when you have a tooth repaired?

If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin. Bonding is a simple procedure that typically does not require numbing the tooth.

What is the treatment for a broken tooth?

Root canal. If a large area of the pulp is affected or there is a lot of pain associated with the broken tooth, it might be necessary to perform a root canal. This treatment consists of keeping the solid shell of the natural tooth and removing the soft part pulp inside.

What happens if you break a tooth?

This damage can cause severe pain and make your teeth more vulnerable to infections. If you have a broken tooth, it is important that you consult a dentist as soon as possible. Here are a few things your dentist might decide to do to address your situation.

What is the purpose of a crown after a root canal?

After completing a root canal treatment and addressing the pain, a dental professional might elect to protect the tooth with a crown. Crowns cover broken teeth and are useful when the integrity of the tooth in question is poor.

How to schedule an appointment for a broken tooth in Chandler?

Schedule an appointment with our Chandler Dental office by calling (480) 814-8888 and find out more about what can be done about your broken tooth.

Can a dentist put a bandage on a pulp?

If the surface of the affected vital part is small, the dentist may attempt to put a sedative bandage on the exposed part of the pulp. In some cases, it is possible to note a scarring of the pulp and a complete cure.

Can you fix a broken tooth in one visit?

Thus, people can fix a broken tooth in one visit. Professionals may also use ceramic inlays or crowns after making them in a laboratory when the situation requires more resistant materials in thin layers (gold or zircon) or when the aesthetic considerations require the collaboration of a laboratory technician.

Can you remove bone and gum from a broken tooth?

In cases of tooth fracture deep below the gingiva or even up to the bone level, it is possible to remove bone and gum around the tooth to repair it. If the tooth is broken too far below the gum and bone, it is sometimes necessary to extract it. Dentists usually follow this procedure by the installation of implants.

What to do if you have a broken tooth?

If you have a broken or cracked tooth and are unable to see your dentist immediately, do what you can to keep pain from worsening. Note that these are temporary measures because only a dentist or an endodontist can repair a damaged dental nerve. Stay away from the following:

How to stop tooth pain from a broken tooth?

Floss between the teeth that are cracked or broken. Removing food particles and plaque, the sticky film that coats the teeth and contains bacteria may reduce pain. Be careful not to poke too deeply around the affected tooth. Use oil of cloves (eugenol), which can be found in most health food stores.

What causes a tooth to crack?

There's no doubt that once you have a cracked or broken tooth, you don't want to have one again. Be aware of the most common causes and do your best to avoid them: 7  1 Chewing and biting into hard foods, like nuts and hard candies 2 Biting on hard objects, such as a pen cap or pencil 3 Brittle tooth structure caused by root canal therapy 4 Old restorations that have begun to separate from the tooth's structure 5 Clenching or grinding of the teeth (a night guard can help) 6 Trauma to the face and mouth

What is the procedure for a cracked tooth?

A cracked or broken tooth requires a dental visit. Your dentist will assess the tooth and try to treat it to prevent further damage.

What is a crown called when you break a tooth?

A larger break may require a crown, also known as a tooth cap. This is a hollow metal or porcelain tooth that covers the broken or cracked tooth.

How to get rid of a cracked tooth?

Elevating your head when resting may ease some of the pressure in the area of a toothache. Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day.

What happens if a tooth is infected?

That’s where the tooth’s blood vessels, nerve, and connective tissues are, and if that area becomes inflamed or infected, the pain can be excruciating. 1 . While any damaged tooth needs to be seen and treated by a dentist, you can try some solutions for temporary pain relief while you wait to be seen.

How Are Broken Teeth Treated?

The proper treatment for your broken tooth is determined by your dentist depending on the type of fracture and the size of the fracture. Small chips can be repaired with a tooth-colored restorative material called composite. Larger chips, broken cusps, and cracked teeth may require crowns and/or root canal treatment, depending on the depth of the damage. Decay-induced breaks, which are teeth that crumble because a cavity has weakened them from the inside out, may require a new filling, a crown, a root canal, or an extraction. The course of treatment is determined by the extent of damage and the amount of protection that your dentist deems necessary to save the tooth. A common treatment option for a broken or cracked tooth is a crown. For more information on crowns, please watch the following video from the American Dental Association.

Why is it important to treat broken teeth early?

Early treatment for broken teeth is important so that the problem does not get worse. When teeth are broken, the nerve is less protected from the bacteria is the mouth and an infection is likely to develop. This infection can cause pain and discomfort and may necessitate that your tooth be extracted. In our blog today, we will explain some of the ...

Why do teeth break?

When the front teeth break, especially in children, it is usually due to a fall a fall or a hit to the face or mouth. Teeth can also break due to grinding and clenching habits that may cause enamel to be worn away or fracture off.

Why do people not seek dental care for broken teeth?

Often times, people do not seek treatment for broken teeth because they are not experiencing any pain or discomfort. This is a mistake and can lead to significantly larger problems down the road. A broken tooth is considered a dental emergency and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What happens if you don't treat cavities?

If large cavities are not treated, the decay in the teeth can eventually cause breaks, especially in the back teeth. Finally, old and large fillings that do not properly support the remaining tooth structure can also fracture.

Why does biting down hurt?

You may experience increased pain when biting down because biting puts pressure on the tooth. It is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the nerve. If a break is small and is repaired early on, there may be little to no nerve damage.

Can a tooth break cause pain?

When a tooth breaks, it may or may not cause you pain. The sharp fracture line on the tooth, however, may irritate your tongue or cheek. If the break in the tooth is close to the nerve, you may experience a range of sensations, which range from mild sensitivity to cold and hot to extreme toothaches that are almost unbearable. ...

What to do if your tooth is broken?

In most cases, if there is a reasonable chance of saving the tooth, a strong dental restoration should be recommended.

What to do if your tooth fractures below the gumline?

If the fracture extends below the gumline, or involves the roots of the tooth, you will need to consult an oral and maxillofacial oral surgeon about tooth extraction and tooth replacement plans. Even with extensive restorative treatment, the prognosis for a fractured tooth is often poor. You should rely not only upon your dentist’s recommendation, ...

What is the best dentist for a tooth extraction?

An oral surgeon is the best dental professional most equipped to manage the challenges of atraumatically extracting a damaged tooth. Once the tooth has been gently removed, your oral surgeon also has the ability to place a dental implant, often immediately.

Can you get a tooth implant after tooth extraction?

Rather than invest your precious time and finances into a tooth with an unfavorable prognosis, tooth extraction followed by the placement of a dental implant could prove to be the most feasible , rational , and longest lasting choice. An oral surgeon is the best dental professional most equipped to manage the challenges of atraumatically extracting a damaged tooth. Once the tooth has been gently removed, your oral surgeon also has the ability to place a dental implant, often immediately.

Can you replace your natural teeth with a dental implant?

Whenever it is possible, reasonable and conservative efforts should be made to save and restore your natural teeth. However, this is usually not possible . In the absence of your natural tooth, a dental implant provides you with the best and most naturally appearing and functioning tooth replacement alternative.

Is a fractured tooth a dental condition?

In the hands of a skilled dental surgery professional, these related procedures can be completed with relative ease by your Chicago oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A fractured tooth is an unpredictable dental condition.

How long does it take to fix a broken tooth?

Repairing your broken tooth may take weeks or months depending on your treatment. Your dentist will give you a better idea of how long your specific repair might take. For instance:

What is the term for the complete removal of a tooth?

Extraction: Complete removal of your tooth. Used when the root and nerves of your tooth show severe damage.

What is a cracked tooth called?

A fractured tooth, often called a cracked tooth or cracked tooth syndrome (CTS), is when a crack appears in your tooth. The crack can sometimes be small and harmless. Other times, it can cause your tooth to break or split.

Why does my tooth crack?

A fractured or cracked tooth occurs due to age, tooth grinding, trauma and other factors. You might not have any symptoms of a fractured tooth. Or you might notice pain, sensitivity and swelling. Your dentist has several methods to treat a fracture, depending on the crack’s location and severity.

What is a crack in a tooth?

Cracked tooth: A vertical crack runs from the biting surface of your tooth up to your gum line. Sometimes the crack extends into your gum line and root.

How long do cracked teeth last?

With prompt treatment, repaired teeth can last for years and not cause any other issues. But even with treatment, tooth cracks may sometimes continue to get bigger or split. This can result in tooth loss at some point.

Where do fractures occur?

Fractures occur most often on the upper front teeth and the teeth toward the back of your lower jaw (mandibular molars). Though people commonly fracture one tooth, more severe injury or trauma may fracture multiple teeth. People with dental cavities have a higher risk of fracture, even with less severe trauma.

What to do if you have a broken tooth?

It’s urgent that you call a doctor or dentist right away if your broken tooth is accompanied by a fever or if you have signs of infection (redness, swelling, discoloration, or skin warm to the touch). A dentist will also be able to assess damage and look for signs of infection.

Why is it important to fix a broken tooth?

Beyond just chewing food, teeth help your speech be clear, and each tooth is important for maintaining balanced space in the jaw. Repairing a broken tooth is necessary for overall health and well-being. To make the cost more manageable, many offices offer payment plans or dental loan plans.

How to get a broken tooth to stop swollen?

Cover ice cubes or a cold pack with a towel and hold it to the part of your face that’s swollen. If your broken tooth is the result of a sports impact or injury, it could take days for swelling and bruising to improve.

Why does enamel break teeth?

Enamel is the hardest material in the whole body. It protects the tooth’s blood vessels and nerve tissues. Cavities are the leading cause of toothache and decay, which can actually break your teeth. Biting into something hard, loosened fillings, and sports accidents can also cause you to crack enamel or break a tooth.

How to prevent nerve damage?

To prevent nerve damage, don’t chew or talk too vigorously, and see a dentist right away to fix the problem.

What to do if your dentist is in pain after hours?

If it’s after hours and you’re in a lot of pain, you can go to an emergency room or urgent care.

How to clean a broken tooth?

Rin se to clean your mouth. Gently rinse your mouth each time you eat to clear debris from around the broken tooth. You can use plain, warm water, or saline water, or a rinse made of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide . Just don’t swish too hard. This can help to avoid infection and more pain.

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