Why did a piece of my tooth break off?
Fractured or broken teeth can be caused by a variety of things including grinding, age, trauma, and accidents. When a patient has a broken tooth, they may experience pain, sensitivity, or swelling. It is possible though that they do not have any symptoms. Various treatments are available to restore broken teeth, but the optimal treatment will depend on the severity and location of the break.
Another term used for broken teeth is cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). While minor cracks may be small and not cause any issues, severe cracks can be serious and result in a large portion of the tooth breaking off. When a patient has a severe crack, they are usually in a great deal of pain.
It is possible for patients of any age to break a tooth, however, they are most common in children and older patients. If a patient has a broken tooth, they need to follow up with their dentist right away.
There are two main parts of a tooth, the crown and the root. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth located above the gums. The root is the portion of the tooth located underneath the gums.
The teeth have three distinct layers:
- Enamel: white, hard outer surface
- Dentin: center of the tooth
- Pulp: soft tissue and the innermost layer that contains blood vessels and nerves
It is possible for a tooth fracture to impact one or all three layers of the tooth. Dentists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the location and severity of the fracture. This will help identity the optimal solution for repair. Patients can experience quite a bit of sensitivity and pain when they have a broken tooth. In some cases, a fracture will not have any symptoms. It is important for patients to contact their dentist immediately if they think they have fractured a tooth. Prompt action ensures the best outcome and can be the difference between maintaining the tooth.
The most common causes patients fracture a tooth include:
- Older age; cracks are more common in patients over 50
- Chronic grinding or bruxism
- Large fillings or root canals
- Using the teeth as a tool or to chew on hard objects
- Accident, fall, sports injury, or physical violence
Fractures commonly occur on the front upper teeth and teeth located in back of the lower jaw. Patients typically fracture a single tooth, but a severe injury can cause damage to multiple teeth. Patients with cavities or decay are more likely to break a tooth.
Symptoms associated with a broken tooth include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets
- Pain which may come and go
- Swelling around the effected tooth
The treatment time will vary based on which type of treatment is used. In most cases, broken tooth repair will take a few weeks to a few months. Conservative treatment such as bonding can be done the same day while a crown typically requires multiple appointments. If the tooth needs to be removed and a dental implant is being placed, treatment will take a few months. The procedure for dental veneers is a few weeks.
Broken teeth can be susceptible to an abscess or infection. The symptoms below can indicate the presence of infection.
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Hot and cold sensitivity
- Swelling
- Persistent pain
Patients should take a broken tooth seriously and follow up with the dentist right away for treatment.