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Broken Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
A broken tooth can occur to anyone. The incidence is greater than most of us may have imagined. Be it from an accident, decay, or even a hard bite on something, the tooth does need some attention. Here at Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad, we are here to help you restore your smile and ensure your oral health remains intact.
What is a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth occurs when there is a crack, chip, or complete fracture in the tooth structure. It can affect both the visible part of the tooth (crown) and the root. While small chips may not cause much discomfort, larger cracks can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Causes of a Broken Tooth
- Accidents or Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or direct blows to the face can cause teeth to break.
- Chewing Hard Foods: Foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts can crack teeth.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities or large fillings can weaken teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth can gradually lead to cracks.
- Old Fillings: Old or large fillings may weaken the structure of a tooth, increasing the risk of fracture.
Types of Broken Teeth
- Craze Lines: Tiny cracks in the enamel, usually harmless and not requiring treatment.
- Fractured Cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off. It’s often not painful but may need a dental crown.
- Cracked Tooth: A break from the cusp to the root. Sometimes painful, but often requires a root canal treatment.
- Split Tooth: The cusp is separated into two parts or more. Sometimes it will have to be extracted if quite bad.
- Vertical Root Fracture: It’s a fracture in the root moving up. Perhaps requires a root canal treatment and possibly extraction.
Before and After Broken Teeth
Treatment of Cracked Teeth
At Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic, we offer several treatment options depending on the severity of the break:
- Dental Bonding: For small chips or cracks, bonding is a quick and cost-effective solution.
- Dental Crowns: If a significant portion of the tooth is broken, a crown can cover the tooth and protect it from further damage.
- Veneers: For front teeth with aesthetic damage, veneers provide a natural and beautiful solution.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has exposed the pulp (nerve), then the tooth can be saved with a root canal.
- Extraction of Tooth: In such cases where the crack is so bad that the tooth cannot be repaired, it might need to be extracted.
Why Choose Dr. Gowd's Dental Clinic?
We provide expert care and tailored treatments to fix broken teeth. Let us help restore your smile and confidence!
Contact us today at Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad for a consultation and let us help you regain your smile with expert care.
Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed on 28/01/2025
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Prof. Dr. Snigdha Gowd
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 Founder Member & Director, School of Dental Implants
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most common question that raised in patientsÂ
What should I do if I break a tooth?
If you break a tooth, try to stay calm. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there’s any swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relief if necessary. Avoid chewing on the broken tooth and contact your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately, a broken tooth won’t heal on its own. Even if the break seems small, it’s important to get it treated by a dentist to prevent further damage or infection. Treatment will depend on the severity of the break, ranging from dental bonding to a root canal or extraction.
How much will it cost to fix a broken tooth?
For minor chips, filling can be done at an economical cost using dental bonding. Other cracks that may be more devastating require some even more significant forms of treatment, such as crowns, root canals, or extractions, which can cost a bit more. It is better to get an estimate from your dentist.
Can a dentist treat a broken tooth the same day?
In many cases, yes! Dentists can often repair a broken tooth in a single visit, especially if the break is minor. For more complex fractures, you may need follow-up visits for treatments like crowns or root canals.
How can I prevent my teeth from breaking?
To avoid breaking your teeth, do not chew on ice or candy. Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night. Regular dental checkups can also help catch any weaknesses or decay before they cause a break.
Dr. Gowds
S.B.R’s, C.V Towers, Flat No. 402, Above Karachi Bakery, Opp. Pizza Hut, Hi-tech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500081. Official Website: https://drgowd.in/
