What To Do If You Crack or Break a Tooth
Your teeth are remarkably strong. However, if you bite down on something hard, fall or get hit in the mouth, you may crack or break a tooth. It is critical for you to know what to do in the event of a cracked or broken tooth, so that every action can be taken to save the tooth.
Minor tooth cracks (fractures) do not usually hurt. If a large piece of your tooth breaks off, it can be very painful because the nerve inside the tooth is most likely damaged. When the nerve is exposed to air, hot or cold food or drinks, it could be extremely uncomfortable for you. Pain from a broken or cracked tooth may be constant or come and go. Many people experience discomfort when they chew because of the pressure on the tooth. In either case, whether painful or not, you should follow these steps in a timely manner.
What You Can Do
If you break a tooth,
- Save any pieces.
- Thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Use dental floss to remove any lodged food.
- Apply pressure with a piece of gauze on any bleeding areas for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. If this doesn’t work, use a tea bag with pressure on the area to stop the bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth. This will help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- If you can’t get to your dentist right away, cover the part of the tooth that is in your mouth with temporary dental cement. You can find this at a drugstore.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue.
- See your dentist as soon as possible.
There is no way that a cracked tooth can be treated at home. You need to see your dentist. Your tooth may look fine, only hurting when you eat. However, if the fractured tooth hurts all the time, it may have a damaged nerve or blood vessels. It is crucial for you to see the dentist before more damage is done.
What The Dentist Will Do
There are several types of tooth fractures and breaks, each of which requires different treatments. These include:
- Minor cracks — Also called “craze lines,” these are surface cracks that affect only the outer white surface of the tooth, called the enamel. Minor cracks rarely need treatment. However, your dentist may lightly polish the area to smooth out any rough spots.
- Cracked tooth — This type of fracture involves the whole tooth, from the chewing surface all the way down to the nerve. The pieces remain in place, but the crack gradually spreads. Cracks can sometimes be repaired with filling material. The tooth often will need a crown to prevent the crack from getting worse. If the pulp (nerve and other live tissues) is damaged, you may need a root canal as well.
- Chips — Minor chips don’t always need treatment. Your dentist may suggest repairing the damage with filling material to prevent it from getting worse or to make the tooth look and feel better. If the chip is very small, the dentist may polish and smooth out the chipped area.
- Broken cusp — These breaks affect the pointed chewing surfaces (the cusps) of the teeth. They usually do not affect the pulp and are unlikely to cause much pain. Your dentist may repair the damage to restore the tooth’s shape. Frequently, however, an onlay or crown will be required.
- Serious breaks — These breaks go deep enough to expose the nerve. They almost always cause the tooth to hurt and be sensitive. Usually, the broken part of the tooth will bleed. You will need root canal treatment to remove the exposed nerve and probably a crown to restore the tooth to normal function so you can eat and chew properly.
- Split tooth — This means that the tooth has split vertically into two separate parts. Some teeth, such as your back teeth (molars), have more than one root. It may be possible to keep one of the roots, which will then be covered with a crown. First, you will need root canal treatment. Second, the dentist will remove any roots that cannot be kept. Third, you will need a crown to cover the root and replace the tooth. In some cases, when a root cannot be saved, the tooth will have to be removed.
- Vertical breaks or split root — These cracks start in the root of the tooth and extend upward toward the chewing surface. These breaks are often painful because the area around the root may be inflamed or infected. In most cases, the tooth will have to be removed.
- Decay-induced break — In this case, the tooth has broken or crumbled because a cavity weakened it from the inside out. Your dentist will evaluate the cavity and recommend the best way to restore the tooth. In some cases, if the decay is extensive and goes down to the bone,the tooth may have to be removed.
If you have a broken or fractured tooth, please schedule an appointment so we may advise you on the best course of action. It may not hurt now, but we don’t want it to get worse and cause you agonizing pain. It only need a simple treatment now, but left untreated could end up requiring an extensive dental procedure.
Call us at 866-478-7695 if you have questions or concerns.
