Half my tooth broke off
While the tooth’s enamel is incredibly strong and harder than steel, it can also be quite brittle and prone to fractures, chips, cracks, or breaks. It is not completely uncommon for a tooth to even break in half.
When the damage is severe, the broken or chipped tooth can cause excruciating pain. In cases of severe damage, it can result in the loss of the tooth. It is critical for patients to follow up with their dentist right away to ensure the best possible outcome. Below includes information regarding common causes and treatment options for broken teeth.
Causes
Chipped teeth can be concerning cosmetically, but they can also cause a great deal of pain and be quite serious. Severe tooth fractures warrant a dental emergency and patients should seek immediate treatment. Taking quick action can aid in preserving the tooth.
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes for damage. Teeth which contain cavities are weak and more prone to damage. Some patients experience a broken tooth from chewing on ice, eating hard candy, or biting down on something hard. Accidents are another common cause for broken teeth. This can include things such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury.
Broken teeth can drastically vary in severity. A small crack or chip may just be cosmetic. This type of damage typically doesn’t cause much pain, but might be bothersome when feeling it with your tongue. Most patients repair chipped teeth primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than out of necessity.
Severe tooth fractures occur when there is a break which exposes the tooth’s dentin or root. A broken tooth can be incredibly painful and require immediate medical treatment. Patients should follow up with their dentist right away if they notice damage. While the damage may be minor and not require immediate treatment, it is best to discuss the situation with the dentist and let them decide.
Some of the most common treatment options used to repair broken or chipped teeth include bonding, crowns. While it is rare, a root canal or tooth extraction may be required for severe cases. In minor cases, the dentist can use cosmetic contouring to polish and smooth rough edges of the tooth.
Dental bonding or fillings are often used to treating cracked or broken teeth. The dentist may suggest the use of a veneer in cases where bonding cannot be used. A veneer is a thin piece which covers the front of the tooth and conceals minor issues.
The dentist may use an artificial or partial crown to repair a broken tooth. A crown is custom-made for each individual patient and then bonded to the natural tooth. Crowns are an excellent solution when most of the tooth is still intact, but needs additional protection and support. Crowns are commonly used on broken molars.
A root canal or extraction is often needed when the break is serious and extensive. This can include a broken tooth which has exposed nerves or pulp. Most dentists will only extract a tooth as a last resort. Tooth extraction and root canals are typically reserved for cases with a damaged root or significant infection.
If you have a broken tooth, contact your dentist right away to discuss your treatment options. It is important to act quickly in order to preserve the tooth and ensure the best possible outcome.