What to Know About a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can result from trauma, biting on something hard, weakened tooth structure from decay or large fillings, or grinding habits. The severity can range from a minor chip to a deep fracture that extends into the root. Regardless of the extent, a broken tooth requires prompt evaluation to assess the damage, protect the nerve, and prevent further deterioration. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection, additional fracture, and more complex repair.
Broken Tooth Repair: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 urgent visit, then restoration |
| Time needed | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia if needed |
| How soon | Same day if there is pain or an exposed nerve |
| How long it lasts | Depends on the restoration chosen |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
How Serious Is a Broken Tooth?
How urgent a broken tooth is depends on how deep the break goes. A small enamel chip can wait a few days; a break that exposes the nerve or loosens the tooth should be seen the same day.
- A sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek
- Pain when biting or with hot and cold
- A visible pink or red spot in the center of the break
- A tooth that feels loose
- A large piece missing after an injury or biting something hard
Broken Tooth Repair at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, the dental team evaluates broken teeth with clinical examination and digital imaging to determine the extent of the fracture and the condition of the underlying tooth structure. Treatment is tailored to the severity of the break. Minor chips may be repaired with composite bonding in a single visit. More significant fractures often require a dental crown to restore strength and protect the tooth. If the fracture has reached the nerve, root canal therapy may be needed before the tooth can be restored.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Call. Describe what happened so we can judge urgency.
- Examination and X-ray. The depth of the fracture and the root are assessed.
- Pain control. The tooth is numbed if needed.
- Protection or repair. Sharp edges are smoothed and the tooth is bonded, or a temporary cover is placed.
- Definitive treatment. A crown, onlay or root canal follows if required.
Types of break and how they are treated
| Type of break | Typical treatment | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Small enamel chip | Smoothing or bonding | Within a few days |
| Larger break into dentin | Bonding, onlay or crown | Within 1 to 2 days |
| Break exposing the nerve | Root canal and crown | Same day |
| Break below the gumline or split tooth | Crown lengthening or extraction | Same day |
If you can find the broken piece, keep it. Sometimes it can be bonded back.
What to Do Now and After Treatment
Looking after yourself
Before you reach us
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax
- Save any fragment in milk or saliva and take pain relief if needed
After your emergency visit
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until it is fully restored
- Have the permanent restoration placed as scheduled
- Consider a nightguard or sports guard to prevent another break
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Pain becomes severe or throbbing
- Swelling develops
- The tooth changes color or becomes loose
If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved
In the most severe cases, where the tooth is fractured vertically or below the bone level, extraction may be the only viable option. When extraction is necessary, the dental team discusses replacement options including dental implants and bridges, and socket preservation may be performed at the time of extraction to protect the bone for future restoration.
Patients who experience a broken tooth should contact the practice as soon as possible. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, it should be kept and brought to the appointment. Avoiding chewing on the affected side and rinsing gently with warm water can help manage the situation until the patient is seen.
Cost and Insurance
An emergency visit has two parts: the visit that stops the pain or infection, and the treatment that fixes the cause. You are told the fee for each before it is carried out.
What affects the cost
- The examination and X-rays needed to find the cause
- The treatment given at the emergency visit
- The definitive treatment that follows, such as a root canal, crown or extraction
- Medication, if prescribed
Most dental plans contribute to emergency examinations and to the treatment that follows. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
