Half my tooth broke off
It can be very alarming and shocking when a patient’s tooth breaks. The teeth often break as the result of an accident, injury, trauma, or from routine activities such as chewing. Various treatment solutions can be used to repair broken teeth. It is important for a patient with a broken tooth to follow up with their dentist immediately. This ensures the best outcome and can aid in preserving the tooth. This article will focus on common questions related to broken teeth.
Causes
The teeth are extremely strong, however, it is still possible for the teeth to be damaged or break. It is especially common for patients who play contact sports to encounter an accident involving the mouth. A tooth can also break from general wear and tear over time. Some patients use their teeth as a tool to open things or chew on objects that can result in damage or a break. Bruxism or teeth grinding is another common culprit for broken teeth. Grinding the teeth greats a lot of stress on the teeth. Grinding often occurs while the patient is sleeping and they may not even be aware of the habit. Once the tooth’s enamel is damaged, it can be at an increased risk for breaking.
Symptoms
When a patient has a broken tooth, the most common symptom is pain or discomfort. The pulp which contains sensitive blood vessels and nerves is located inside the tooth. With a break, the pulp may be exposed which can result in quite a bit of pain. The pain may be especially pronounced when eating or consuming things that are hot or cold. Pain can be continuous or sporadic.
Tooth Cracking in Half
It is possible for a tooth to crack in half. When this occurs, it should be treated as an emergency and the patient contact their dentist immediately. The dentist will evaluate the damage and create a treatment plan. When patients do not receive prompt treatment, it can result in more damage, infection, or the loss of the tooth. Infection of the tooth begins in the pulp, spreads to the gum, and can eventually impact the supporting bone. When a patient has a cracked tooth, they should continue their oral hygiene regimen, while being cautious near the damaged tooth. Using too much force while brushing or flossing can cause additional damage.
Treatment
Treating a broken tooth relies on prompt treatment. The dentist will complete an evaluation of the break to determine the idea treatment. The dentist’s top priority is to preserve the tooth. They will exhaust all options before the tooth is removed. A tooth which is damaged beyond repair unfortunately must be extracted. Some of the most common treatment options for a broken tooth include:
- Dental Bonding: Bonding is often used for minor chips and breaks. This is especially common when a filling or the enamel is damaged.
- Crown: When the break is large, a crown may be placed over the damaged tooth.
- Surgery: In cases of a severe fracture, endodontic surgery may be required to remove the broken part of the tooth.
- Root Canal: Cracks which extend into the tooth’s pulp often require a root canal.
- Extraction: When the tooth is damaged beyond repair, it will require removal.
It can be frightening to experience a broken tooth. The dentist will work hard and do everything in their control to preserve the tooth. If the tooth needs to be removed, dental implants are an excellent tooth-replacement solution. If you experience a broken tooth, contact your dentist immediately. The dentist can often perform a consultation over the phone to determine the severity of the break. This will also help determine if you require immediate treatment.