Treatment of a broken tooth

Symptoms of Tooth Root Fracture

A tooth fracture involves a crack or break in the root part of the tooth. This serious dental injury often presents with the following acute symptoms:

• Increasing pain.
• Discomfort while chewing.
• Tooth mobility.
• Swelling.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Gum redness.
• Changes in tooth enamel color.
• Bleeding.
• Heightened sensitivity of the tooth surface.
• Bad breath.

In some cases, part of the tooth or even the entire tooth may be knocked out of its socket.

In case of a dental trauma, apply a cold compress to your cheek. If the damaged tooth bleeds heavily, gently dab the area with sterile cotton or gauze. Important! Do not disinfect the oral cavity with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as this may worsen the damage. For severe pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

After noticing these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may worsen your condition, leading to further infection and inflammation. Don’t postpone visiting a dental clinic!

Causes of Tooth Fracture

No one is immune to a broken tooth. Most often, the tooth gets damaged due to an unfortunate accident: a blow, a fall, or other mechanical impact. Common causes of a broken or chipped tooth also include:

• Trying to bite through hard food like candies or nuts, which can easily chip the surface of the tooth.
• Untreated cavities, as tooth decay weakens the structure from within and may cause fractures.
• Naturally thin enamel walls, making the tooth more fragile.
• Oversized fillings, which can compromise the health of the natural tooth and lead to cracks.
• Poor nutrition, resulting in a lack of essential minerals that protect the teeth.
• Bruxism: the habit of clenching teeth tightly, increasing the risk of damage to the root.
• Advanced age, since teeth can be broken more easily over time.
• Improper tooth extractions.
• Neglected oral pathologies, such as cysts or necrosis of hard tissue.
• Weakened immunity.
• Endocrine or oncological diseases that affect oral health.

Types of Broken Tooth

Most broken teeth occur in the front — incisors or canines. However, molars can also break near the root. Depending on the type and location, we distinguish the following kinds of broken tooth treatment:

In terms of severity, a tooth fracture can be:

• Incomplete: with just a crack on the surface of the tooth.
• Complete: where a fragment or piece of the tooth has broken off.

First Aid for a Broken Tooth

Immediate first aid includes rinsing the mouth with saline or water to clean the area. It’s essential to see your dentist as soon as possible for proper broken tooth treatment and to prevent further complications, such as infection or worsening decay.

If a broken part of the tooth is preserved, it should be stored in milk or a saline solution to maintain its condition before visiting the clinic.

Broken Tooth Treatment

During the examination, the dentist will likely take an X-ray, suggest a digital radiograph, or recommend a CT scan. This is the only reliable way to assess the extent of the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. Based on the findings, the dentist and patient will create a personalized treatment plan.

If the broken tooth is mobile, your doctor may suggest splinting it for four weeks or longer to stabilize its position and reduce further trauma. For minor injuries, a filling or ceramic inlay can effectively restore the tooth’s structure and improve its function and appearance.

In cases where the pulp and dentine are affected, root canal therapy may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged nerve and blood vessels, disinfecting the canals, and sealing them. A post and crown are then placed to replace the missing part and protect the natural tooth.

If only the upper part of the tooth is cracked, the dentist may need to remove part of the root, clean out the pulp, and fill the root canals. This prevents the tooth from becoming infected or dying.

In more severe cases, especially when the broken tooth may be beyond repair, surgical intervention is required. This means the damaged tooth will need to be extracted and later replaced with a dental implant to restore functionality and aesthetics.

Treatment Costs for a Broken Tooth

The cost of treating a broken tooth primarily depends on the type and severity of the damage, as well as the chosen treatment method. The final price can only be determined after a thorough examination and professional diagnosis. Please note that additional fees for X-rays or CT scans may apply.

It’s important not to miss the opportunity to address dental issues promptly — untreated damage can worsen, spread infection, or even affect surrounding soft tissues like the tongue and lip.

Don’t compromise your health — book an appointment at Dynasty Stomatology, a premium dental clinic offering high-quality care at reasonable prices!