Fractured and broken teeth can affect patients of all ages and often occur unexpectedly.
Trauma, teeth grinding, chewing hard substances, or existing dental weaknesses can all lead to cracks or breaks. While some fractures are minor, others require immediate treatment to prevent pain, infection, and long-term complications. Even if there is no discomfort, restoring a fractured tooth promptly is essential to protect your oral health.
Seeking emergency dental care immediately after your tooth breaks or fractures helps preserve your natural tooth, minimize symptoms like sensitivity and pain, and prevent deeper infections that impact overall well-being. At Washington Dental, our emergency dentists have extensive experience treating fractured and broken teeth. If you need fast, reliable care in Carson, CA, our team will evaluate the damaged tooth and create a personalized treatment plan that supports your long-term oral health.
What Is A Broken Or Fractured Tooth?
A broken or fractured tooth occurs when a crack develops in the enamel. This condition is often referred to as fractured tooth syndrome. While minor fractures may not cause pain, severe fractures can lead to splitting, breaking, or eventual tooth loss if untreated. Because fractures may affect different layers of the tooth, ranging from enamel to pulp, immediate evaluation is essential.
- The enamel: The hard outer layer.
- The dentin: The middle layer beneath the enamel.
- The pulp: The inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
A fracture can impact one or more of these layers, which is why prompt diagnosis is critical. Even if symptoms are minimal, immediate care increases your chances of saving the natural tooth and preventing costly future treatments.
- Avoid chewing hard substances.
- Maintain consistent oral hygiene.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports or grinding.
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-up appointments.
Causes Of Fractured Or Broken Teeth
Understanding the cause of the fracture helps guide treatment. Common causes include:
- Your age: Teeth naturally weaken over time, increasing fracture risk.
- What you bite or eat: Hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy can cause damage.
- Bad habits: Teeth grinding and chewing on objects gradually weaken enamel.
- Trauma: Falls, accidents, sports injuries, and facial impact can lead to immediate fractures.
- Dental restorations: Large fillings, root canals, or weakened tooth structures can increase the risk of breakage.
Some teeth are more prone to fractures, including upper front teeth and lower molars. Cavities also increase the likelihood of fracture, even with minor impact.
Symptoms Of Broken Or Fractured Tooth Syndrome
Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the fracture. Common signs include:
- Pain when chewing, which may worsen under pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Swelling around the fractured area.
- Pain in nearby teeth, especially when biting.
Even if symptoms do not appear, immediate dental attention is necessary, as untreated fractures can worsen quickly.
Diagnosing Broken & Fractured Teeth
To diagnose a fracture accurately, your dentist will:
- Examine the teeth, focusing on the damaged area.
- Ask about trauma, symptoms, and dental history.
- Perform bite tests to locate painful areas.
- Check for crack lines across multiple teeth.
- Inspect gums for signs of irritation or infection.
- Shine a specialized light on the tooth to identify fractures.
- Stain the tooth to highlight cracks.
- Take x-rays or 3D scans if needed to assess bone loss or underlying issues.
- Use probing tools to locate hidden cracks.
Signs that require immediate attention include persistent pain, swelling, fever, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity to temperature.
Types Of Tooth Fractures
Fractures vary in severity, and treatment depends on the type:
These are tiny, superficial cracks in the enamel that typically do not require treatment. The dentist may polish the tooth to smooth rough areas.
Minor chips can be smoothed or restored with a small filling to prevent further damage.
A crack extending from the chewing surface toward the root needs immediate treatment to prevent splitting. Treatment may include a crown or root canal if the pulp is affected.
A deep crack that divides the tooth into two parts usually requires extraction, though partial preservation may occasionally be possible.
A piece of the tooth breaks off, often around a filling. It typically does not affect the root and can be restored with a new filling or crown.
When breakage exposes the pulp, severe pain and bleeding may occur. Treatment may include extraction or root canal therapy combined with a crown.
These begin at the root and move upward, often without early symptoms. Extraction is typically necessary.
Deep cavities weaken the tooth, causing fractures. Treatment depends on the extent of decay and may include fillings, crowns, or extraction if decay reaches the jawbone.
How Dentists Treat Broken & Fractured Teeth
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture:
Bonding repairs chips, cracks, or discoloration using tooth-colored resin. It restores shape and improves appearance. The dentist roughens the tooth, applies conditioning liquid, molds the resin, and cures it for durability.
Contouring removes small amounts of enamel to improve shape. It is painless, quick, and ideal for minor chips or shape concerns.
Crowns cover and protect severely damaged teeth. They are custom-made in a lab and placed over the prepared tooth to restore strength, function, and appearance.
If damage is too extensive to repair, extraction may be necessary. After numbing, the dentist loosens and removes the tooth, cleans the socket, and may place a bone graft before closing the area.
If the fracture reaches the pulp, a root canal removes infected tissue, disinfects the canals, and preserves the tooth structure. A crown is commonly placed afterward.
Some fractures do not require treatment if they do not cause symptoms, affect function, or impact appearance.
Find A Skilled Emergency Dentist Near Me
A fractured or broken tooth should be addressed immediately to prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage. Whether your fracture is minor or severe, timely treatment is essential to protect your oral health. At Washington Dental, our emergency dentists provide expert evaluation, personalized treatment, and compassionate care for patients throughout Carson, CA. We are committed to restoring your comfort, health, and confidence with effective solutions for fractured and broken teeth.