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Dealing with Broken or Cracked Teeth

We depend on our teeth for so many crucial functions like chewing, speaking, and
greeting the world with a smile. So, a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth is more
than just a cosmetic issue – its a dental emergency that needs prompt treatment.
Whether due to injury, accident, or biting on something hard, a broken tooth should never be ignored.

Types of Tooth Fractures

There are several different ways teeth can fracture:


Chipped tooth – This is when a small piece of the enamel gets knocked off, often around the edge of the tooth. While not as serious as other fractures, chipped teeth need care to prevent further breakage.

Cracked tooth – These cracks extend from the chewing surface down toward the root. Some cracks may be tiny hairline fractures, while others go deeper and are more likely to continue splitting apart.

Split tooth – This is a severe crack that extends from the crown down through the root, splitting the tooth into two separate parts.

Dislodged tooth – The tooth gets knocked partially out or pushed deeper back
into its socket. In some cases, it may be knocked completely out (avulsed).

Root fractures – The root of the tooth has cracked, which often doesn’t show above the gumline initially. These fractures can allow bacteria into the interior of the tooth.

Emergency Treatment Steps

If your tooth sustains a fracture or crack, here are the steps to take:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply ice packs to reduce any swelling.
  2. Get to an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
  3. For a cracked or chipped tooth where the pieces remain intact, your dentist
    may be able to smooth and bond the pieces back together with a tooth-coloured
    filling material.
  4.  For a more serious fracture, you’ll likely need a root canal treatment to remove
    the infected inner pulp. The tooth is then restored with a porcelain crown.
  5. For a split tooth or severe fracture, the tooth usually needs extraction.

Don’t delay treatment, as cracks not only allow in bacteria but can worsen rapidly leading to infection and increased need for interventions like root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

Prevention is Key

While accidents can always happen, you can take steps to minimize risks of
breaking a tooth:

  1. Don’t chew on ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or other very hard foods
  2. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth
  3. Wear a protective mouthguard when playing sports
  4. Maintain regular dental visits to check for any developing cracks or fractured
    teeth

A broken tooth is a dental emergency requiring dental care to stop infection,
relieve pain, and save the remaining healthy tooth structure. By acting quickly and with proper restorative treatment, your cracked or broken tooth can often be repaired and saved.

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