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Fractured Tooth


About this topic


Teeth break for many reasons. A tooth can break due to an accident or when playing sports. A tooth can break while chewing. A badly broken tooth can lead to pain and infection if left untreated. Go see your dentist as soon as possible if you think your tooth is broken. ‚  


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What are the causes?


  • Chewing on hard foods or objects like ice, nuts, or hard candy
  • Object hitting the mouth with force
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Forceful chewing or clenching your teeth
  • Losing a part of the tooth because of an existing large filling or a cavity
  • Tooth becomes brittle after a root canal

What are the main signs?


  • Very bad toothache, most often when chewing or clenching your teeth together
  • Tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold temperatures
  • Sharp pain when you chew
  • You feel a missing piece or sharp place on your tooth. Your tooth may feel strange or different when you touch it with your tongue.
  • Your tooth may or may not hurt.

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your dentist will look at the tooth and may need to take an x-ray. The dentist may put a dye on your tooth to see how deep it is broken. Your dentist may take a photo of your tooth. Your dentist may also perform other tests including the use of ice or a light to learn more about deep cracks in the tooth. ‚  

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


There are many ways to treat a broken tooth. Your dentist will talk with you about your treatment options. Together you will choose the best treatment for you. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The dentist may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Prevent or fight an infection

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Abscess
  • Tooth may break more
  • Nerve involvement which may require a root canal or extraction

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Do not chew on hard objects like bones, pencils, and ice.
  • Use caution when chewing hard foods.
  • If you think you may grind your teeth at night, talk with your dentist about how to prevent fractured teeth.
  • Wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports.

Where can I learn more?


American Dental Association ‚  
http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_25.pdf ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dental-emergencies.aspx ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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