Can a Broken Tooth Cause Infection or Fever?

A broken tooth infection can spread beyond the tooth and, in some cases, trigger fever and body-wide symptoms if left untreated.

A chipped or fractured tooth may look like a small problem at first—especially if pain is mild or comes and goes. But when the break exposes deeper layers of the tooth (dentin or pulp), bacteria can enter and multiply. Over time, that can lead to a dental abscess or deep infection that affects the gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues.

Within the first step of care, it helps to get evaluated early—especially if you’re in Hyderabad and want reliable, specialist-led guidance. Dr Gowds Dental Hospitals supports patients across Hyderabad with comprehensive diagnostics and treatment planning, especially for urgent issues like fractures, infections, swelling, or fever-related dental concerns.

Don’t wait for infection to worsen

If you’ve cracked or broken a tooth and notice pain, swelling, bad taste, or fever, book a consultation at Dr Gowds Dental Hospitals today. 

Why a Broken Tooth Can Turn Into an Infection

A tooth isn’t just “hard enamel.” It’s layered:

• Enamel (outer protective shell)
  
• Dentin (sensitive layer underneath)
  
• Pulp (inner tissue with nerves and blood vessels)
  

When a tooth breaks, bacteria from the mouth can travel through cracks and reach the pulp. Once the pulp is infected, the infection may spread through the root into the jaw area—forming a dental abscess.

Many people delay care because the pain sometimes settles temporarily. But infection doesn’t always hurt continuously. That “quiet period” is often when bacteria continue spreading underneath.

Tooth Infection Symptoms to Watch For After a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth doesn’t always mean infection—but the risk increases if the fracture is deep or the tooth has decay underneath. Common tooth infection symptoms include:

• Throbbing toothache or sharp pain on biting
  
• Sensitivity to hot/cold that lingers
  
• Swelling near the tooth, cheek, or jaw
  
• Gum boil (pimple-like bump on the gum)
  
• Bad taste or foul smell from the mouth
  
• Pain radiating to ear, temple, or neck
  
• Difficulty chewing on one side
  
• Feeling “pressure” around a specific tooth
  
• Loose tooth sensation (in advanced infection)
  

If you notice swelling, pus, or increasing pain after a fracture, that’s a strong indicator you may be heading toward a dental abscess.

Can a Broken Tooth Infection Cause Fever?

Yes—a broken tooth infection can cause fever if infection becomes significant and spreads beyond the tooth.

Fever is not a routine symptom of a simple chip. It usually suggests:

• The infection has progressed deeper
  
• There may be abscess formation
  
• Your body is mounting a systemic immune response
  

Fever + dental symptoms: don’t ignore

If fever occurs with any of these, seek dental care urgently:

• Facial swelling
  
• Difficulty opening the mouth
  
• Swallowing discomfort
  
• Enlarged or tender lymph nodes
  
• Fatigue, body aches, or chills
  
• Pus discharge or strong bad taste
  

A fever linked to dental infection can worsen quickly. If swelling is spreading or breathing/swallowing feels difficult, treat it as urgent.

What Is a Dental Abscess and Why It Matters

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. It can form:

1) Periapical abscess (at the root tip)

Often occurs when bacteria enter the pulp after a fracture or deep cavity.

2) Periodontal abscess (in the gum/bone around the tooth)

May occur when gum disease is present and bacteria get trapped.

Abscess infections can spread into facial spaces and, in rare cases, become medically serious. Early dental intervention prevents complications and avoids prolonged pain.

Common Causes That Increase Infection Risk After a Tooth Break

A tooth fracture is more likely to get infected when:

• The break exposes the pulp (pink/red tissue may be visible)
  
• There’s pre-existing decay under the broken portion
  
• The tooth had an old filling that fractured
  
• The crack extends below the gumline
  
• The patient has delayed treatment for weeks/months
  
• There is uncontrolled diabetes or lowered immunity
  
• Gum disease is present
  

In a busy city, it’s common to “manage” tooth pain with tablets temporarily. The issue is: pain relief doesn’t remove infection—it only masks symptoms.

How Dentists Diagnose a Broken Tooth Infection

At a dental evaluation, your dentist will typically:

• Examine the fracture line and gum condition
  
• Check bite pressure points (pain on chewing)
  
• Test pulp vitality (cold test or other assessments)
  
• Take digital X-rays to check infection spread
  
• In some cases, recommend additional imaging depending on complexity
  

This is especially important for cracks that are not visible but cause deep pain while chewing—those can still lead to infection over time.

Treatment Options for Broken Tooth Infection (Based on Severity)

1) Dental filling or bonding (minor chips)

If the break is small and there’s no pulp involvement, restoration may be enough.

2) Crown (cap) to protect the tooth

For moderate fractures or weakened teeth, a crown strengthens the tooth and prevents further cracking.

3) Root canal treatment (when pulp is infected)

If infection has reached the pulp, root canal treatment removes infected tissue, disinfects canals, and seals the tooth. A crown is often recommended afterward for long-term protection.

4) Abscess drainage + medication support (when needed)

If there is pus buildup and swelling, drainage may be required. Medication may be used as part of the plan—based on clinical need and safety.

5) Extraction (when the tooth cannot be saved)

If the tooth is severely fractured below the gumline or structurally non-restorable, removal may be recommended, followed by replacement planning.

Why Early Treatment Matters in Hyderabad

Delaying a broken tooth infection can lead to:

• Larger abscess and more swelling
  
• Spread of infection into jaw/facial tissues
  
• More complex procedures and longer recovery
  
• Higher risk of tooth loss
  
• Extended discomfort and disrupted routine
  

Broken Tooth Today, Smile Concerns Tomorrow: Where Orthodontics and Aligners Fit

A broken tooth can sometimes be linked to bite issues—like crowding, protrusion, or uneven pressure—where certain teeth take more force and crack over time.

That’s why, after stabilizing infection and restoring the tooth, some patients benefit from:

• Talking to an orthodontist about bite correction
  
• Exploring aligner treatment to reduce uneven stress on teeth
  
• Preventing repeat fractures and improving long-term stability
  

This isn’t necessary for every case, but it’s worth evaluating if fractures keep recurring or if your bite feels “off.”

Visit the nearest Hyderabad branch in Gachibowli, Madhapur, Koti, Nanakramguda. Get clarity on whether you need a filling, crown, root canal, or abscess care—and ask whether orthodontic or aligner support could prevent future damage.

FAQs 

1) Can a broken tooth infection heal on its own?

In most cases, no. Infection may temporarily feel better, but bacteria often remain and can flare up later as an abscess.

2) What are the most common tooth infection symptoms?

Persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity that lingers, gum boils, bad taste, and pain while chewing are common signs.

3) Does fever always mean a dental abscess?

Not always, but fever plus tooth pain/swelling strongly suggests a significant infection and needs urgent evaluation.

4) Will I definitely need a root canal if my tooth is broken?

Not always. If the pulp isn’t infected and the break is not deep, a filling or crown may be enough. Testing and X-rays decide the right option.

5) Is treatment for dental infection painful?

Most procedures are done with effective local anesthesia. Patients typically feel pressure rather than pain, and post-treatment discomfort is usually manageable with proper care instructions.