A tooth breaking around an existing filling can be a painful experience. This dental issue demands prompt attention to prevent complications and alleviate discomfort. Acting quickly helps preserve the tooth and maintain oral health.
Immediate Steps to Take
If a tooth breaks around a filling, rinsing the mouth immediately with warm salt water can help clean the area and remove debris. Avoid chewing on the damaged side to prevent further injury. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, and applying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the outside of the cheek near the affected tooth can reduce swelling. If the tooth’s pulp is exposed, temporary filling material, available at pharmacies, can cover the area until a dentist can be seen. Contacting a dentist promptly is important to prevent increased pain, infection, or more extensive procedures.
Why a Tooth Breaks Around a Filling
A tooth can break around a filling for several reasons, often related to the filling’s age or the tooth’s structural integrity. Large fillings, especially older amalgam fillings, can weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to fracture. Old silver amalgam fillings do not bond directly to the tooth, and repeated biting forces can cause hairline stress fractures around the filling.
Decay underneath an old filling can also compromise the tooth, leading to breakage. Chewing on hard foods or objects, such as ice or hard candy, or experiencing trauma to the mouth, can also contribute to a tooth fracture. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, exerts significant force that can weaken teeth and fillings over time.
Professional Dental Solutions
A dentist will assess the damage to determine the most appropriate treatment. For minor damage, replacing the filling with new material, such as composite resin, may be sufficient.
If the tooth is more significantly damaged, a dental crown might be recommended. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring its function, appearance, and protecting it from further breakage. The tooth is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, and impressions are taken to create a custom crown, which is then permanently bonded.
If the fracture extends deep into the tooth, affecting the pulp chamber where nerves and blood vessels are located, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning the root canal system, and then typically placing a crown over the treated tooth for protection.
In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged or fractured below the gum line, extraction may be the only option. Following extraction, replacement options include dental implants, which involve a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to support a crown, or fixed bridges, which use adjacent teeth for support. Removable partial dentures are another option for tooth replacement.
Preventing Future Dental Fractures
Preventing future dental fractures involves a combination of good oral hygiene and protective measures. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to monitor existing fillings and detect early signs of wear or decay, enabling timely intervention before significant damage occurs. Practicing consistent oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing, helps guard against decay around fillings.
Using fluoride toothpaste and rinses can also strengthen tooth enamel and the bond between the tooth and filling. Avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels can reduce stress on teeth and fillings. If teeth grinding (bruxism) is a concern, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can protect teeth from the forces exerted during grinding. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated also contributes to overall oral health, which supports tooth strength.