How is a Broken Tooth Treated?
Our teeth are an essential part of a healthy life, accompanying us throughout our lives. They not only make it easier for us to chew and speak, but also allow us to express ourselves with confidence and smile. However, despite their strength, teeth can sometimes break unexpectedly. A broken tooth not only negatively impacts our aesthetic appearance but also requires serious consideration for oral and dental health. Therefore, instead of ignoring a broken tooth, it’s crucial to have the right information and take the appropriate action promptly.
Why Do Our Teeth Break?
While teeth may appear quite strong and durable from the outside, they are not actually as unbreakable as we think. Many factors we encounter in daily life can weaken the structure of teeth and cause them to break. I’ve listed the most common causes below…
- Traumas and Accidents
One of the most common causes of tooth fractures is unexpected accidents. Impacts sustained during sports, a fall, a traffic accident, or a sharp blow to the face can all cause teeth to fracture. In these cases, the tooth is usually subjected to a sudden and powerful impact, which overcomes the enamel’s resistance and causes a fracture.
- Hard Foods
Some of our habits also pose a risk to our dental health. For example, chewing ice, biting hard candies, trying to crack nuts, or accidentally touching a hard object stresses tooth enamel. No matter how strong our teeth are, such hard contact can cause cracks and even fractures.
- Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the biggest threats to teeth. Untreated cavities weaken the tooth structure over time, leading to loss of strength. In this case, a tooth can easily break under the slightest pressure or when biting into a hard food. The risk of fracture is particularly high in cases of deep cavities.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many people clench or grind their teeth without realizing it, especially during sleep. This erodes and weakens the enamel layer of their teeth. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks and fractures.
- Age Factor
As we age, our teeth, like many other body structures, change. Over time, teeth lose their flexibility and strength, becoming more brittle. Therefore, tooth fractures become more common with age.
Signs of a Fractured Tooth
A broken tooth can sometimes be noticed immediately, while other times, due to very small cracks, it can go unnoticed for a long time. While visible fractures in front teeth are particularly aesthetically pleasing, tiny cracks in back teeth are often overlooked. However, there are some key signs that can help us identify a fractured tooth:
- Sudden pain or tenderness when chewing
If you feel a sharp pain in your tooth while eating, this could be a sign of a crack or fracture on the tooth’s surface. This pain usually comes on suddenly and resolves quickly, but recurring pain is a cause for concern.
- Hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods
A broken tooth weakens the tooth’s protective layer. This makes the nerve endings inside the tooth more vulnerable to external factors. Sudden discomfort when drinking a cold drink or eating hot food can signal a tooth fracture.
- Visible crack or fragment loss
In some cases, a piece of the tooth may break off, or a noticeable crack may appear on the surface. This is one of the clearest signs of a fractured tooth. Missing small fragments or a rough surface, especially when noticed when smiling in the mirror, are indicators of a fracture.
- A feeling of sticking or sharpness on the tongue
The surface of a broken or cracked tooth is usually rough. If you feel a sticking or sharp sensation when touching the tooth with your tongue, this could also be a sign of a fracture. Some people even unconsciously touch the affected area with their tongue, sensing this difference.
- Tooth Discoloration
A cracked tooth may not always cause pain, but its color may change over time. If a gray or yellowish hue is noticed, this may indicate internal damage to the tooth.
Broken Tooth Treatment
Treatment for a broken tooth can vary depending on the extent of the fracture, its location, and its overall condition. A dentist determines the most appropriate method based on a detailed examination and, if necessary, X-rays. Small fractures are usually repaired quickly and aesthetically with composite fillings or bonding. For deeper fractures that have reached the nerve, root canal treatment is performed, followed by a porcelain or zirconium crown.
For larger fractures in the front teeth, laminate veneers can be chosen to achieve a natural appearance. However, if the tooth is damaged beyond repair, extraction becomes unavoidable, and replacing the lost tooth with an implant or bridge provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing result.
What Happens If a Broken Tooth Isn’t Treated?
If a broken tooth isn’t treated, it can lead to many serious problems over time. Firstly, the fractured surface creates an area where bacteria can easily colonize, causing rapid decay. As the decay deepens, the tooth’s structure weakens further, even leading to irreversible tooth loss. Furthermore, a broken tooth damages the gums, paving the way for inflammation and gum disease. If left untreated, infections can spread to the root of the tooth, causing abscesses. This can cause severe pain and pose a risk to overall health.
Impaired chewing function can also make eating difficult, negatively impact digestion, and reduce quality of life. Furthermore, fractures, especially in the front teeth, can be aesthetically unsightly and can lead to a lack of self-confidence. To prevent these problems, you should consult your dentist immediately upon noticing a fracture in your tooth.
