Half my tooth broke off
When a tooth cracks or breaks off, it be a shocking experience and cause for concern. Many times, a tooth breaks from an injury, accident, trauma, and can occur from routine chewing too. There are fortunately treatment options for patients who have a broken tooth. Patients with a broken tooth should contact their dentist right away to begin treatment. Acting quickly aids in the best possible outcome and can even preserve the tooth. Common asked questions regarding broken teeth are included below.
Broken Tooth - Causes
While the teeth are incredibly strong, they can still be damaged and break unexpectedly. Accidents involving the mouth are especially common for patients involved in contact sports. It is also possible for a patient to break a tooth as the result of general wear and tear. In other cases, the patient may use their teeth as a tool or chew on hard objects which can cause damage. Another common cause for broken teeth is bruxism or teeth grinding. This places a great deal of stress on the teeth, especially for patients who chronically grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Various habits can damage to the enamel of the tooth and result in a break or crack.
Symptoms
Patients typically experience discomfort and pain with a broken tooth. Inside the tooth is the pulp which contains sensitive blood vessels and nerves. A broken tooth can expose the pulp and cause a great deal of pain for patients when they are eating or consuming something which is hot or cold. The pain may be constant or be off and on.
Tooth Cracks in Half
While it may seem impossible, a tooth can crack in half. This should be treated as a dental emergency and patients should follow up with their dentist as soon as possible. Patients should visit their dentist right away for evaluation and treatment. Failure to obtain treatment in a timely manner could cause additional damage, infection, and even result in tooth loss. An infection would start in the pulp, spread to the gum, and could eventually impact the bone which supports the tooth. Patients with a cracked or broken tooth should continue practicing their oral hygiene at home. Use extra caution around the effected tooth to avoid further damage.
Repair
Successful treatment for a broken tooth can vary based on how promptly it is treated. The dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of the damage and decide on the best treatment plan. It is always a top priority for the dentist to preserve the tooth and exhaust all options prior to removing the tooth. If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, it will require extraction. Treatment options for a broken tooth are summarized below:
1. Bonding: Bonding can often be used for small chips or breaks which impact the enamel or a filling.
2. Crown: In cases of a larger break, the dentist may opt to use a crown or filling.
3. Surgery: Severe fractures may require endodontic surgery in order to remove the fractured portion of the tooth.
4. Root Canal: For cracks which extend into the pulp, a root canal may be required.
5. Extraction: As a last resort, the tooth may need to be removed.
Cracked and broken teeth can be scary. Dentists will diligently work to preserve the tooth and exhaust all treatment options. When a tooth must be removed, a dental implant is an exceptional solution for replacing missing teeth. Patients with a broken tooth should contact their dentist right away to ensure the best outcome.