How a Family Dentist Treats a Broken Tooth

Having a broken tooth can cause discomfort and a bit of embarrassment if located in the front. Fortunately, family dentists have several ways they can treat broken teeth. They will assess the tooth's damage and provide treatments in an appointment.

Types of broken teeth

When scheduling an appointment for a broken tooth, the family dentist will order an X-ray to see which of the following categories the broken tooth falls into:

Cracked teeth

Sometimes called incomplete fractures, this is when the tooth has a vertical crack extending from the surface downward toward the root without splitting it in two. Usually, much pain is associated with this type of break if it reaches the root.

Craze lines

Possibly one of the most common types of breaks, craze lines are characterized as hairline tears in the enamel (outer tooth layer). Typically, no pain is associated with them, but they may appear on the teeth as faint lines. However, if not corrected promptly, the lines can worsen, progressing into the dentin (second layer) and causing pain and infection.

Fractured cusps

The cusp is the chewing surface of the tooth. When a large portion breaks off, it can potentially extend to the gum line but not to the tooth's pulp, which houses the nerves and blood vessels. There may be no pain, but discomfort may occur when consuming liquids or foods that are too hot or cold.

Split teeth

A split tooth has a crack that extends from the surface through the root, splits itself in half, and is only held together by the socket. A family dentist may save this tooth with a root canal only if it is a molar with multiple roots and at least one half is healthy.

Vertical root fractures

Vertical root fractures start from the root and work up toward the surface, though they may not break through completely. Some may experience pain, but most of these fractures go undetected until exposed by an X-ray.

Treatment and restorative options

The family dentist will base treatments on the type of fracture and its location. For some, the removal of fragile pieces is necessary. For others whose break reached their pulp chamber, the dentist will recommend a root canal. However, following both procedures, the tooth will be vulnerable and need an option to restore its shape and strength. The dentist will consider dental bonding, fillings, or crowns.

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored resin material that conceals tiny, harmless cracks or chips. Fillings are for those whose chips or breaks create a small hole in the middle of the tooth but progress into the root. They also consist of tooth-colored resin or amalgam (silver) material. Finally, a crown, the most common option for front teeth, is a custom porcelain or composite cap that engulfs the entire broken tooth.

Unfortunately, there are times when a break is too severe or in the wrong place, and the tooth cannot be salvaged. Therefore, to protect the integrity of the entire mouth, the family dentist will recommend one of two extractions: simple or surgical. A simple extraction is the most recognizable, involving easily removing a tooth without making incisions into the gum line. Surgical extractions are the opposite, requiring incisions in the gum line and stitches afterward.