Your teeth are constantly working hard to grind, bite, chew, and tear food throughout the day. Most of the time they can handle the pressure just fine. Sometimes a tooth can crack, chip, or fracture from an injury or an awkward bite.
When a tooth breaks, it can be a cosmetic issue that a dentist can fix with dental bonding. However, if the tooth sustains a fracture, it will need more extensive treatment from your dentist.
A broken tooth can cause significant pain and create a vulnerable spot for bacteria to cause decay, infections, or other dental problems. It’s important not to ignore a dental fracture and to seek emergency evaluation from your dentist.
The treatment you need will depend on the location of the break and the severity of the injury. Learn more about the two ways dentists can restore a fractured tooth below.
Why do Teeth Break?
Some of the most common reasons teeth break include:
- Tooth decay can weaken the enamel of your tooth, making it easier to break.
- Accidents or injuries, like falls or sports-related incidents, can cause teeth to break.
- Chewing hard foods, such as nuts or ice, can put too much pressure on your teeth and lead to breakage.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially while you sleep, can weaken the enamel and cause your teeth to break.
- Not taking care of your teeth by skipping regular brushing and flossing can result in tooth decay and breakage.
- Old or worn-out fillings can weaken your tooth and make it more likely to break.
- As we get older, our teeth naturally weaken and are more prone to breaking.
- Biting on non-food items like pen caps or pencils can damage your teeth and cause breakage.
- Certain dental procedures, like root canals or extractions, can weaken your teeth and increase the risk of breakage.
Fixing a Broken Tooth with a Dental Crown
If you’ve broken a tooth, your dentist might recommend a dental crown treatment to restore it. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits snugly over your tooth. It blends in with your natural teeth, ensuring it feels comfortable and looks great without affecting your bite.
The crown covers the entire surface of the damaged tooth and is a permanent fixture. The dentist attaches it with dental cement. This creates a strong bond that allows you to eat, talk, and smile as you normally would. With good care, a crown can last up to 15 years, making it a durable solution.
The crown protects the entire tooth from further damage while restoring its function and appearance. This prevents the injury from worsening and keeps your tooth healthy.
However, crowns are typically for fractures on the visible part of the tooth above the gumline. If the damage is deeper or more severe, your dentist might suggest a different approach.
Treating More Severe Tooth Damage
If a crack in your tooth extends below the gumline, it can become harder to fix. Without treatment, the crack can spread, causing more problems over time. Unfortunately, a dental crown won’t be enough to repair damage that reaches the root of the tooth.
In these cases, your dentist may need to extract the tooth. If only part of the tooth is affected, they might be able to remove just the damaged section. But if the entire tooth is compromised, you might need a full extraction procedure.
Losing a tooth can create other oral health issues, so it’s important to discuss replacement options with your dentist. We’ll take x-rays and evaluate your dental structure to find the best solution for you. Whether it’s a dental implant, bridge, or other treatment, Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier will make sure your smile stays healthy and functional.
Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson is here to help you find the right treatment to restore your smile and protect your oral health.