General Dentistry: How a Dentist Can Treat a Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth represents an issue that arises frequently in dentistry. This can happen due to the pressure of biting on something hard or chewing on a solid object. Cavities or decay can increase the likelihood of a tooth breaking under these circumstances. A traumatic blow to the mouth, which may occur due to a car crash, fall, or other accident, may cause a tooth to break or chip.

Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be possible to repair the tooth using dentistry techniques. While a fractured or broken tooth is not a reason to panic, it should be evaluated by a dentist right away.

Tooth fracture patterns

Fractures of a tooth can follow a number of different patterns. The type of fracture, as well as its severity, can determine whether a tooth can be repaired and, if so, what dentistry treatment options are available.

Cracked tooth

The break in a cracked tooth starts at the chewing surface and extends toward the root in a vertical fashion. The prognosis for saving the tooth depends on how quickly the crack is identified and treated. Cracked teeth that do not receive prompt treatment only get worse.

Split tooth

Left untreated, a cracked tooth can eventually turn into a split tooth consisting of distinct, separable segments.

Vertical root fracture

A vertical root fracture is a crack that, rather than starting at the top of the tooth and extending down, begins in the root of the tooth and extends upward toward the surface.

Fractured Cusp

A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks away. Though it does not cause much pain, it can undermine the tooth's structural integrity, increasing the risk of further damage.

Treatment options

Extensive damage to the tooth may require a crown. This consists of a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the remaining portion of the tooth. Crowns can be made of materials such as ceramic or metal. Some materials are stronger while others more closely resemble natural teeth. It is necessary to remove some material from the tooth for a crown to fit in the mouth. An impression is taken so that the crown fits snugly. When the crown comes back from the lab, it is cemented in place.

If only a small portion of the tooth has broken off, a filling may be all that is needed to repair the damage. Composite bonding may be used to repair a tooth that is visible when you smile. The bonding material consists of composite resin of a color to match your natural tooth. It is applied to the tooth and shaped to look natural after first preparing the tooth by etching its surface and applying an adhesive. The last step is to harden the material using ultraviolet light.

If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, the only possible treatment option is extraction. However, this is only performed as a last resort.