A broken tooth represents a serious dental injury. It requires professional evaluation to prevent further complications and preserve oral health.
Understanding Broken Teeth and the Risk of Loss
A tooth fracture occurs when a tooth cracks or breaks, ranging from minor chips to severe breaks. While a broken tooth does not typically “fall out” on its own like a baby tooth, a significant fracture can compromise its stability. The adult tooth is firmly anchored in the jawbone by its roots, surrounded by periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. This strong attachment prevents spontaneous detachment.
What might feel like a tooth “falling out” is often a large fragment breaking away, or the tooth becoming extremely mobile due to extensive root or bone damage. In cases of severe trauma, such as an avulsion where the entire tooth is knocked out, the tooth is dislodged from its socket. This is a forceful event, not a spontaneous “falling out.”
Chips affect only the enamel, the tooth’s outer layer, and generally do not lead to tooth loss. Cracks can extend deeper into the dentin or even into the pulp, the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels. A fracture involving the pulp or root significantly increases the risk of tooth loss if left untreated, as the tooth’s structural integrity is compromised. Even with severe damage, the remaining tooth structure often stays partially connected unless an infection or trauma further weakens the surrounding bone.
Immediate Concerns of an Untreated Broken Tooth
Leaving a broken tooth without professional attention can lead to several problems. Exposure of the dentin or pulp to the oral environment often results in heightened sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure. This sensitivity can progress to significant pain, such as a sharp ache when biting or a persistent throbbing sensation. The exposed inner tooth structures are vulnerable to bacterial invasion, potentially leading to a painful infection or abscess.
Bacterial entry into the pulp can cause inflammation that may progress to tissue death if left unaddressed. An infection can spread from the tooth’s root tip into the surrounding bone and soft tissues, forming an abscess. This can cause swelling, fever, and severe pain, requiring urgent intervention. An untreated broken tooth can also lead to further damage to adjacent teeth through altered bite forces or sharp edges irritating the tongue and cheek.
The compromised structure of a broken tooth makes it more susceptible to further fracture under normal chewing forces. This can lead to the loss of more tooth material or even the complete splitting of the tooth, making restoration more complex or impossible. Ignoring a broken tooth can also impact chewing efficiency and speaking clarity, affecting daily comfort.
What to Do When a Tooth Breaks
If a tooth breaks, immediate action can help manage discomfort and improve the chances of successful treatment. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and dislodge any debris. If you can locate any broken fragments, preserve them by placing them in a small container of milk or saliva. This can sometimes allow a dentist to bond the fragment back onto the tooth.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, near the affected area, can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help manage discomfort until professional help is sought. Avoid chewing on the broken tooth to prevent further damage or irritation.
Contact a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours. Even if the break appears minor or causes no immediate pain, a dental professional needs to assess the extent of the damage. Early intervention can prevent complications like infection and may allow for simpler, more conservative treatment options. Prompt dental care is crucial for preserving the tooth and maintaining oral health.
Professional Care for Broken Teeth
When a broken tooth is evaluated by a dental professional, the treatment approach depends on the severity and location of the fracture. For minor chips affecting only the enamel, dental bonding is often used. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied and sculpted to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. This procedure is relatively quick and effectively repairs small imperfections.
More significant fractures that involve the dentin but not the pulp may be treated with a veneer, a thin, custom-made shell that covers the front surface of the tooth. Alternatively, a dental crown, a cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, might be necessary to protect the compromised structure and restore its strength. Crowns are typically recommended for larger breaks that risk further fracture.
If the fracture extends into the pulp, exposing the nerve and blood vessels, root canal therapy is usually required to remove the infected or inflamed pulp. After the root canal, a crown is placed to protect the tooth. In severe cases where the tooth is fractured below the gum line or extensively damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the only viable option. Following extraction, replacement options such as a dental implant or a bridge can be considered to restore the missing tooth.