A broken tooth, chipped tooth, or otherwise damaged tooth can have more than just an aesthetic impact on your dental health. When teeth are broken or chipped, it affects the structural integrity of the whole tooth. It can greatly increase the risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.
Dr. Roham Rafat and Dr. Ashley Izadi offer dental services for restoring damaged and broken teeth to support your long-term oral health.
Why Repair Broken Teeth?
When a tooth breaks, chips, or cracks, it creates space for bacteria to enter the tooth structure. It is often difficult to effectively clean the area when brushing at home. Over time, a small problem can become a more complex threat to your overall oral health.
Tooth decay, additional damage, gum disease, and even tooth loss are possible risks. If you have a broken or damaged tooth, it is important to come in as soon as possible for a visit with us. Our dental care team and highly trained dentists in Hunt Valley can evaluate the condition of the tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Quickly repairing tooth damage can often mitigate risks and be accomplished with conservative treatment options without the need for oral surgery.
Tooth Repair: What Are My Options?
Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi can offer a range of options for repairing your broken or damaged tooth. We recommend the most suitable treatment option(s) after a dental exam and analysis of the condition of the tooth and your overall dental health.
The goal is to restore the aesthetics of your smile while also ensuring that your long-term dental health is intact and will be supported by any dentistry we recommend.
Tooth bonding
We complete tooth bonding during a single visit to our dental office. It is the most economical and commonly used treatment for a broken, chipped, or damaged tooth. We can apply bonding material without anesthesia ,and it lasts many years. Our office may need to routinely touch it up because it is not a permanent solution.
We use a composite resin bonding agent that blends seamlessly with your natural smile. We mold and shape the resin into the desired look and cure it using a special light. Once the composite resin hardens, our dentist will carefully polish the tooth, revealing a natural-looking, beautiful shine.
Dental crowns
We can place a beautiful, custom dental crown or cap over a significantly weakened tooth. Dental crowns restore tooth structure by completely replacing the natural tooth’s crown.
Porcelain veneers
The placement of dental veneers can offer a lasting, natural-looking solution. It can also be customized to address other concerns, such as tooth stains or tooth shape. Porcelain veneers offer a permanent fix to cosmetic tooth damage.
Broken Tooth FAQs
Broken teeth can range from a cosmetic chip to a severe, painful break. Learn more by reading the answers to these questions.
Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?
A broken tooth can be a dental emergency depending on the severity of the damage and whether you are experiencing pain or bleeding. Teeth that are severely cracked, fractured, or accompanied by intense pain should be evaluated by a dentist right away. Even if the damage seems minor, it is still important to have the tooth examined. Early treatment can help prevent complications such as infection or further breakage.
What causes a tooth to break?
Teeth can break for many reasons, including trauma, biting down on hard foods, untreated cavities, or weakened enamel. Teeth that already have large fillings or previous dental work may also be more susceptible to fractures. Grinding or clenching your teeth can place excessive pressure on them, increasing the risk of cracks or breaks. Over time, normal wear and tear can also make teeth more vulnerable to damage.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
Unlike bones, teeth cannot regenerate or heal themselves once they are broken. While small chips may not cause immediate discomfort, the tooth structure is still permanently damaged. Without treatment, the fracture may worsen or allow bacteria to enter the tooth. A dentist must evaluate the damage and recommend the appropriate restoration to protect the tooth.
Does a broken tooth always hurt?
Not all broken teeth cause pain immediately. Some fractures only affect the outer enamel, which may not trigger noticeable discomfort. However, deeper cracks that expose the dentin or pulp can cause sensitivity or severe pain. Even if a broken tooth does not hurt, it is important to have it examined to prevent further damage.
What are the signs that a tooth is broken?
Common signs of a broken tooth include sharp edges, visible cracks, pain when biting, and increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Some people also experience swelling or irritation in the surrounding gums. In certain cases, the damage may not be visible but still cause discomfort while chewing. A dental exam and X-rays can help confirm the diagnosis.
Can a chipped tooth become worse over time?
Yes, a chipped tooth can worsen if it is not treated. The damaged area may weaken the structure of the tooth, making it more likely to crack further. Everyday activities like chewing can place additional pressure on the weakened tooth. Repairing the chip early helps preserve the tooth and prevents more complex treatment later.
Can a broken tooth lead to infection?
Yes, a broken tooth can increase the risk of infection if bacteria enter the inner layers of the tooth. When the pulp becomes exposed, it can become inflamed or infected. This may lead to symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity. Prompt treatment helps protect the tooth and prevent infection from spreading.
Is it possible to save a severely broken tooth?
In many cases, a severely broken tooth can still be saved with the right treatment. Procedures such as dental crowns, root canals, or post-and-core restorations can reinforce the remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage to determine the best solution. However, if the tooth is too damaged, extraction may be necessary.
What should I do if a broken tooth is bleeding?
If a broken tooth is bleeding, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply light pressure with clean gauze to help stop the bleeding. You can also use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Contact us immediately for further evaluation and care.
How can I prevent breaking a tooth?
You can reduce the risk of breaking a tooth by avoiding hard foods and not using your teeth as tools. Wearing a mouthguard during sports helps protect teeth from impact injuries. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can help prevent fractures. Maintaining good oral health also keeps teeth strong and resilient.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation Today
If your tooth breaks, chips, or is suddenly painful to chew with, contact our office and schedule a dental exam and consultation visit. We will evaluate the condition of your tooth. Our office works with you to restore your oral health to avoid further damage.