A broken tooth may result from decay, trauma, grinding or clenching, or reduced remaining tooth structure. The urgency of dental assessment depends on the extent of the break and symptoms such as severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or dental trauma.
Causes of a Broken Tooth
Teeth can chip, crack or fracture for several reasons. Factors that may contribute include decay, trauma, grinding or clenching and reduced remaining tooth structure.
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Tooth Decay
Tooth decay involves loss of mineralised tooth structure. Where enough structure is affected, the remaining tooth may become more susceptible to fracture.
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Trauma
Dental trauma from falls, sporting injuries, vehicle accidents or other blows to the mouth can cause chips or fractures. Teeth may also fracture when unexpectedly biting hard objects.
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Bruxism
Bruxism refers to grinding or clenching of the teeth and may occur while awake or during sleep. In some patients, it may contribute to tooth wear, chipped restorations or tooth fracture.
When is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Broken teeth vary in type and severity. More urgent dental assessment may be appropriate where there is severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, tooth displacement or substantial dental trauma.
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Superficial chip
A small chip without significant pain, bleeding or trauma may not require emergency treatment. Dental assessment can determine whether monitoring, smoothing or restoration is appropriate.
If a chipped tooth has a sharp edge, dental wax may be used temporarily where it can be applied without forcing material into the damaged tooth. A gentle warm salt-water rinse may also be used by some adults to help keep the mouth clean.
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Cracked tooth
A cracked tooth has a fracture line within the tooth structure. Management depends on the location and extent of the crack, symptoms, pulp condition and amount of remaining tooth structure.
A split tooth involves separation of portions of the tooth. Whether any part of the tooth can be retained depends on the location and extent of the split and the remaining tooth structure.
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Vertical root fracture
A vertical root fracture involves the root of a tooth and may sometimes cause few noticeable symptoms. Management depends on the tooth involved, fracture location and condition of the surrounding tissues.
A vertical root fracture may be associated with inflammation or infection in surrounding tissues. Treatment options depend on the location and extent of the fracture.
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Serious broken tooth
A deeper fracture may involve dentine or the dental pulp and can cause pain, sensitivity or bleeding. More urgent assessment may be required depending on the extent of the injury and symptoms.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options: Dental Fillings
Where decay or a limited fracture has affected part of a tooth, a dental filling may be considered if enough tooth structure remains for a direct restoration.
Where a filling is appropriate, damaged or decayed tooth structure is removed as clinically required before the restoration is placed. Local anaesthetic may be used depending on the tooth and procedure.
The restorative material and placement technique depend on the tooth, extent of damage and material selected. The restoration is shaped and the bite may be assessed after placement.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options: Dental Crowns
A dental crown may be considered where the fracture pattern and remaining tooth structure are suitable for a full-coverage restoration. The number of appointments varies according to the crown type and fabrication method.
The dentist assesses the tooth and may use dental imaging where clinically indicated. If a crown is planned, the tooth is prepared and an impression or digital scan may be taken.
Crown fabrication may be completed through laboratory or digital workflows. Whether a temporary restoration is required and the number of appointments depend on the treatment plan.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options: Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment may be considered where the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected and the tooth is otherwise suitable for treatment.
Root canal treatment involves accessing the pulp chamber and root canal system. Local anaesthetic is generally used where appropriate for the individual procedure.
Root canal treatment involves removing affected pulp tissue and cleaning, shaping and sealing the root canal system. Further restorative treatment depends on the amount and condition of remaining tooth structure.
Replacing a Tooth That Cannot Be Restored
If a broken tooth cannot be predictably restored and extraction is required, a dental implant may be one possible tooth-replacement option. Other options can include a bridge, denture or, in some circumstances, leaving the space unrestored.
Dental implant treatment involves surgically placing an implant in the jawbone. A healing period is usually required before the final restoration, with timing varying according to the individual clinical situation.
Implant treatment may include placement of an abutment and subsequent prosthetic restoration once the dentist determines that the site is ready. The sequence and timing vary between patients.
Arrange an Assessment for a Broken Tooth
If you have a broken tooth with pain, swelling, bleeding or another urgent dental concern, contact Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora to arrange an assessment. A dentist can examine the tooth and discuss management options based on the clinical findings.
Seek urgent medical assessment if dental or facial symptoms are causing difficulty breathing, significant difficulty swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening problem.
