A tooth broken at the gum line is a dental fracture near or just below the gum tissue. This injury causes discomfort and can expose sensitive inner tooth structures. Prompt attention is important to manage pain, prevent infection, and potentially save the tooth. Seeking professional dental care without delay is necessary.
Immediate Steps After Injury
After a tooth breaks at the gum line, immediate steps are important before seeing a dentist. If bleeding occurs, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth. Rinsing with warm water can clean the area and ease discomfort.
For pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. If a tooth fragment is visible, carefully collect and preserve it in milk or your own saliva, as it might be bondable. Contact a dentist promptly for an emergency appointment for professional assessment and care.
Professional Assessment and Diagnosis
When a tooth breaks at the gum line, a dentist conducts a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage. This assessment begins with a visual inspection of the fractured tooth and surrounding gum tissue. The dentist probes the area to check for sensitivity, mobility, and fracture depth.
X-rays visualize the tooth root, surrounding bone, and hidden damage or infection below the gum line. In complex cases, a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan may provide a detailed three-dimensional view. This diagnostic process helps the dentist understand if the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) has been affected, guiding the treatment plan.
Available Treatment Options
Addressing a tooth broken at the gum line involves several treatment approaches, each chosen based on the fracture’s specifics and remaining tooth structure. For minor fractures with only a small enamel chip, dental bonding or composite restoration may be suitable. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, shaped and hardened with light to restore appearance and function.
If significant tooth structure remains above the gum line, a dental crown may be an option. The tooth is prepared to fit the restoration. If the fracture extends slightly below the gum line, a crown lengthening procedure may be necessary to expose more sound tooth structure for secure crown attachment. This surgical procedure reshapes gum tissue and sometimes bone.
If the fracture extends into the pulp chamber, leading to nerve exposure or infection, root canal therapy is necessary. This involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canals. After cleaning and disinfecting, canals are filled with biocompatible material, and the tooth is restored with a dental crown for protection. A post and core may be placed for additional crown support if insufficient tooth structure remains.
If the tooth is fractured deeply below the gum line, especially with root damage or extensive infection, extraction may be the only option. Following extraction, various methods can replace the missing tooth. A dental implant, a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, offers a durable foundation for a prosthetic crown. A dental bridge can replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. A removable partial denture is another option, consisting of replacement teeth on a gum-colored base.
Factors Guiding Treatment Decisions
Several factors influence a dentist’s decision for treating a tooth broken at the gum line. Primary considerations include the fracture’s extent (depth below the gum line and root involvement) and its location (front or back teeth).
The overall health of surrounding gum tissue and jawbone is assessed, as healthy supporting structures are important for treatment success. Infection in the tooth’s pulp or surrounding bone significantly impacts treatment, often requiring root canal therapy or extraction. A patient’s general oral health, existing dental conditions, systemic health, and financial considerations also contribute to the final recommendation.
Post-Treatment Care and Outlook
Following treatment for a tooth broken at the gum line, specific post-procedure care supports healing and repair longevity. Patients may experience discomfort or sensitivity, manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods, are recommended, especially in the initial healing phase.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including gentle brushing and flossing around the treated area. Follow-up appointments monitor healing and assess treatment success. The long-term prognosis for a repaired or replaced tooth varies depending on the chosen treatment, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups. Adhering to these guidelines and routine examinations is important for maintaining the repaired tooth and overall oral health.