Teeth can withstand considerable biting forces, but they may chip or fracture because of trauma, grinding or clenching, decay, existing restorations or other structural factors.
Factors that may contribute to a chipped or broken tooth include:
- Dental trauma from a fall, sporting injury or other blow to the mouth
- Loss of tooth structure from decay
- Grinding or clenching
- Large or ageing restorations and reduced remaining tooth structure
- Biting hard objects such as ice
Why Can a Broken Tooth Require Dental Assessment?
A chipped or broken tooth may cause no pain, while others may cause a sharp edge that irritates the tongue or cheek. Symptoms can also include pain during biting or chewing and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
If a broken tooth causes persistent or severe pain, swelling, significant bleeding or follows dental trauma, arrange dental assessment. The appropriate urgency depends on the extent of the injury and symptoms.
Managing symptoms of a broken tooth at home
Some temporary measures may be appropriate while waiting for dental assessment, but they do not repair the tooth or treat the underlying cause. Severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or substantial dental trauma may require urgent assessment.
Rinse your mouth
A gentle warm salt-water rinse may be used by some adults to help keep the mouth clean while waiting for dental assessment. Do not swallow the rinse.
Cold compress
After dental trauma, a cold compress wrapped in cloth may be applied externally for short periods.
Use a medical gauze to clean blood
If there is minor oral bleeding, clean gauze may be used to apply gentle pressure. Seek urgent care if bleeding is significant or cannot be controlled.
Be mindful of your diet
Avoid using the damaged tooth to bite hard foods or objects while waiting for assessment. If chewing is uncomfortable, choose foods that can be eaten without placing significant pressure on the affected tooth.
Chew from the other side
If chewing on the affected tooth causes pain, avoid placing unnecessary biting pressure on it while waiting for assessment.
Use over-the-counter pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate for some people. Follow the product instructions and ask a pharmacist, doctor or dentist if you are unsure whether a medicine is suitable for you. Avoid applying medication directly to a broken tooth unless advised by an appropriate health professional.
Signs of an infected broken tooth
A broken tooth may sometimes be associated with pulp inflammation or infection, particularly where deeper tooth structure has been affected. Possible symptoms can include persistent or worsening pain, swelling, tenderness, pus, fever or a bad taste in the mouth.
Tooth pain: Dental infection may cause persistent, throbbing or worsening pain, although the type and severity of pain vary between patients.
Fever and swelling: Some dental infections may be associated with fever or facial swelling. These symptoms require prompt assessment, particularly if they are worsening.
Taste changes: Pus or drainage associated with some dental infections may cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Sensitivity: Some affected teeth may become sensitive to temperature or pressure, although sensitivity can have several dental causes.
Can Infection Associated With a Broken Tooth Affect Surrounding Tissues?
A broken tooth itself does not automatically cause general health problems. However, a dental infection can sometimes spread beyond the affected tooth and require urgent dental or medical assessment.
Infected tissue or bones
Infected tissue or bonesA dental infection can sometimes extend into surrounding tissues. Management depends on the location and severity of the infection and may involve dental treatment, drainage or medication where clinically indicated.
Diabetes
Medical conditions and medications can influence dental treatment planning and healing. Patients should tell their dentist about relevant medical conditions and medicines before treatment.
How May a Broken Tooth Be Managed?
Crowns
CrownsA dental crown may be considered where the fracture pattern and remaining tooth structure are suitable for a full-coverage restoration. Crown materials and treatment requirements vary according to the individual tooth and treatment plan.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin restorations made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin. They may be considered for selected chipped front teeth where the remaining tooth structure, bite and fracture pattern are suitable.
Tooth implants
If a tooth cannot be predictably restored and extraction is required, a dental implant may be one possible tooth-replacement option. Bridges, dentures or leaving the space unrestored may also be considered depending on the clinical circumstances.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding may be considered for selected minor chips or fractures where enough tooth structure remains for a direct composite restoration.
Root canal
If the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected and the tooth is otherwise suitable for treatment, root canal treatment may be considered. Further restorative treatment depends on the condition and amount of remaining tooth structure.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling may be considered where decay or a fracture is limited and enough tooth structure remains for a direct restoration.
The urgency of assessment depends on the extent of the damage and symptoms. A dentist can examine the tooth and discuss whether monitoring, bonding, a filling, crown, root canal treatment, extraction or another approach may be appropriate.
If you have a broken or painful tooth, contact Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora to arrange an assessment.
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.
