Do you have a broken tooth and don't know what to do? Firstly, it's crucial to stay calm and remember that a broken tooth is not always a cause for great alarm! You can and should seek help and schedule an appointment with your Dentist. To ease your mind, we have prepared a guide that explains everything about this unforeseen situation.
What is Dentistry?
Dentistry refers to the branch of Dental Medicine that deals with injuries to the teeth, restoring both aesthetic appearance and dental function. With the advent of new technologies and dental materials, Restorative Dentistry has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, allowing the clinical team to restore teeth conservatively while achieving excellent aesthetic results. This branch includes:
Treatment of cavity lesions;
Repair of fractures (broken teeth);
Replacement of old restorations;
Removal of amalgam restorations;
Closure of gaps between teeth (diastemas);
Modification of dental morphology and positioning;
Possible Causes for Broken Teeth
In most cases, teeth break due to a strong impact with a hard surface. However, there are several factors that can contribute to their fragility:
Teeth grinding - Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that typically occurs while we sleep and can sometimes happen during the day. Over time, it can wear down the surface of the teeth and compromise their integrity.
Tooth decay - A tooth decay can lead to partial or total destruction of a tooth by destroying the tissues that form it. If left untreated, it can compromise the structure of the tooth, even without any impact situation.
Incorrect use of teeth - Using teeth to open jars/bottles or break objects can damage them. We recommend avoiding such practices.
We want to remind you that although dental enamel is the hardest part of our body, inadequate oral hygiene and parafunctional habits (like bruxism) can undermine its integrity. To prevent this, we recommend scheduling a Routine or Oral Hygiene Appointment every six months. This way, the Dentist or Oral Hygienist can check the state of your oral health and perform an oral hygiene treatment that will eliminate any plaque and tartar that may exist.
Broken Tooth at the Root/Entirely
If you break a tooth at the root/entirely, the first step is to stay calm. Although it can be a distressing situation, it is important not to panic.
If you are an adult, you can place a gauze soaked in cold water in the space where you lost the tooth until the bleeding stops. We recommend keeping the tooth in water, milk, or saliva and bringing it with you - if the tooth is completely missing, it is essential to avoid touching the root. In these cases, time is a crucial factor, so schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after the fracture.
If you are a child, and the fallen tooth is a milk tooth, there may be no reason for concern. However, if there is unusual bleeding, intense pain, discomfort, or if the tooth falls out well before the child turns 6 years old, we recommend scheduling an appointment - you should always seek medical help, regardless of age. In the case of primary teeth, trauma can affect the definitive tooth germ.
Relief for a Broken Tooth
If you feel pain in a broken tooth, there are several measures to take to help alleviate the discomfort. Here are some suggestions:
Medication: Taking pain relief medications such as Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Aspirin can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Note that medication should be taken under medical supervision.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Note that these suggested remedies are only temporary and will not resolve the issue. It is crucial to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to diagnose and properly treat the broken tooth, in order to relieve the pain, address the problem, and prevent further damage.
Treatments for a Broken Tooth
There are different treatment options available, depending on the severity of the situation and how quickly you seek the necessary help. The sooner you consult your Dentist, the higher the likelihood of having a simple and quick treatment.
Dentistry: If only a small part of the broken tooth is lost, dental treatments like composite resins can be a suitable solution. This treatment can restore the natural structure and function of the tooth in a single appointment, making it an efficient option for those seeking a quick and effective solution.
Veneers or dental crowns: If a significant portion of the tooth is lost but it is still vital, dental crowns or veneers may be a suitable solution. These act as ceramic coverings that are placed over the tooth to restore its aesthetics and/or natural function, allowing for incredible and lasting results.
Dental Endodontics: In cases of necrosis or irreversible inflammation of the dental pulp, endodontics (root canal therapy) may be the only solution. This procedure involves the removal of all pulp tissue, after which the tooth is prepared for filling. Once the canals are filled, the tooth is hermetically sealed with cement and restored with composite resins to regain its natural appearance.
Implantology: If the broken tooth cannot be saved, rehabilitation with dental implants may be the best solution. The implant acts as an artificial root, onto which a crown is placed to restore the function of the natural tooth, providing patients with a comfortable and beautiful smile.
If you have a broken tooth, it is extremely important to seek dental care as soon as possible to increase the chances of a less complex treatment. At MALO CLINIC, we have an experienced clinical team and advanced technology to provide you with excellent care. Don't let a broken tooth affect your quality of life!
