What Causes a Broken Tooth and How to Prevent It

A broken tooth can happen at any age, to anyone, and can result in discomfort, sensitivity and in some cases, can affect your smile. At Dr Gowds Dental Hospital in Hyderabad, we regularly have patients who come to us asking how to fix a broken tooth and to get advice on broken tooth treatment options. Knowing the causes, treatment options and how to prevent a broken tooth can help you save on long-term costs associated with dental issues.

In this article we will look at what causes teeth to break, how to manage a broken tooth, and provide some insight into how to prevent your teeth from cracking!

Common Causes of a Broken Tooth

Teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. Several factors can lead to a broken tooth:

1. Trauma or Accidents

Trauma is one of the leading ways to end up with broken teeth; car accidents, sport injuries, or falls can cause sudden impact. Even a small impact can chip or crack your teeth. 

2. Chewing Hard Foods

Consuming hard foods such as nuts, ice, and unpopped kernels, can crack enamel; especially if your teeth are already weakened. 

3. Tooth Decay

Simply put, decay always weakens tooth structure over time making your tooth extremely susceptible to breaking. Checkups are extremely important to catch decay that could cause a fracture forming. 

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Unfortunately, people often grind and clench their teeth during grinding (and sometimes not during sleep) resulting in enamel loss which will always lead to breaks or cracks. 

5. Large Fillings

Teeth that have large fillings and usually have been exposed to years of decay, so the integrity of the tooth itself is weaker due to the large filling structure.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Tooth

Knowing the symptoms can help you act quickly. Common signs include:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Visible cracks or chips
• Swelling around the tooth
• Discomfort near the gum line

Broken Teeth Treatment Options

1. Dental Bonding

For minimal chips, dentists may utilize composite resin to mend a broken tooth. Bonding returns the tooth to its proper shape and function without invasive procedures.

2. Dental Crowns

If a tooth is majorly broken, a crown can restore strength and protection. Dental crowns is one common option for repair of teeth that are compromised by decay or trauma.

3. Root Canal Treatment

If the fracture exposes the pulp or nerve from the tooth, root canal treatment and crown may be the only option available to save the tooth.

4. Veneers

In cases of aesthetics, porcelain veneers can fix a broken tooth, especially in the case of the front teeth, and it adds protection along with cosmetic benefits. 

5. Tooth Extraction

In the most severe cases, where the tooth is broken beyond repair, tooth extraction may be required, followed by options that are available (implants, bridge, etc).

How to Fix a Broken Tooth at Home (Temporary Measures)

While professional treatment is crucial, there are temporary measures that can lessen discomfort until you can reach a dental professional:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
• Cover the sharp edges with sugar-free gum (temporary only)
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort

While these methods are temporary there is no substitute for the proper treatment of broken teeth.

Preventive Measures to Avoid a Broken Tooth

Preventing is always better than treating.  Here’s how to protect your teeth:

Mouthguard – Critical for sports and other hazardous activities.

Avoid Chewing Hard Objects – Ice, kernels of popcorn, and pens can cause a fracture.

Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing help to avoid decay which weakens teeth.

Routine Checkups – The earlier decay or cracks can be identified, the better.

Bruxism – If you grind your teeth, a nightguard can prevent fractures caused by bruxism.

Can a Broken Tooth Be Fixed?

In most cases, a broken tooth can be restored when it is treated properly. The repair is based upon the degree of break, the location of the break, and the underlying health of the tooth. Seeking help from a dental professional will allow you to find the appropriate treatment for your broken tooth, such as bonding, crowns and other treatments for broken teeth.

Summary

Trauma, decay, grinding, or even habit can cause damage to a tooth to the point of it being broken. The sooner that you can identify the symptoms and look for adequate broken teeth treatment, the better your outcomes will be. Broken teeth can be fixed in many ways, including bonding, crowns, root canals, and veneers, and preventative measures can be taken when possible to prevent injury (particularly through proper oral care or protective gear!) 

If you notice a crack, chip, or have a lot of pain in your tooth, make an appointment with a trusted dental office, like Dr Gowds Dental Hospital in Hyderabad. The sooner that you contact a dental professional for an assessment, the better! Quick action alleviates and reports pain and possibly saves your tooth for years!

FAQs

1. What should I do for a broken tooth at home?

You can rinse with warm salt water, compress the cold with your jaw and try to cover them with sugarless gum. But a professional is the only fix for a broken tooth.

2. Can I fix a broken tooth without a crown?

Most likely. Minor chips may be fixed with dental bonding. Crowns can often be used on only bigger fractures, or teeth damaged by decay.

3. What are the different treatments for a broken tooth?

There are treatments for every severity of break, which may be bonding, crowns, veneers and/or root canals. A dentist will be able to recommend a broken teeth treatment, based on your unique needs.

4. How long does it take to fix a broken tooth?

Depending on the extent of the damage, dental bonding may take under an hour. You may be required to return for a crown, root canal or other follow up care. Prompt treatment will increase your chances of a successful outcome.

5. Why go to Dr Gowds Dental Hospital for a broken tooth?

Dr Gowds Dental Hospital is in Hyderabad and our team of experienced dental professionals is ready to treat your broken teeth using technique and technology in today’s dentistry. We offer great individualized service and permanent solutions for your dental complaints.