Broken Tooth

Dr. Kiran Satashia, DMD

Teeth are not indestructible. Though they are strong they can still crack or break. Sometimes a broken tooth is the result of a fall or biting on something unusually hard (like a bone). You can also get a broken tooth from punch in the face, but most of the time chipped and broken teeth are a result of cavities and weakened teeth.

A chipped tooth may not cause any pain, especially if no nerve endings have been damaged. If, however, a nerve ending is damaged or exposed to air, it can be very painful. You may not always know that you actually have a broken tooth. If you have constant pain in your tooth or jaw, this may be a symptom of a break. If you experience pain whenever you chew or the temperature changes, it could also be the sign of a break.

It may take a long time for teeth to actually change color or fall out, so don’t wait to see your dentist. If you have a cracked tooth call (215) 957-0700 to make an immediate appointment. Don’t put the appointment off if the pain goes away. Pain from a broken tooth can come and go, but if left untreated, nerve damage in the tooth can require a root canal to repair.

How Dr. Kiran Satashia, DMD treats a broken tooth depends on the depth of the break. If you have a minor crack, they will polish the cracked area to smooth out rough spots. A tooth that is more severely cracked can be repaired with a dental filling or a crown. The crown will prevent further cracking and damage. Minor chips may only need cosmetic treatment.

If the tooth splits vertically into two parts, or is cracked at the root to the enamel, the tooth might have to be removed. Dentists can place a dental implant in place of the removed tooth. If a tooth has broken as a result of decay from a cavity, Dr. Kiran Satashia, DMD will have to evaluate the best course of action. If decay is too extensive the tooth may have to be removed and replaced with a dental implant.

You can’t always prevent a broken tooth, but you can lower your risk of a serious break by taking your dental health seriously and using fluoride toothpaste. Always wear a mouth guard when playing sports, and, if you suffer from weak teeth or have several cavities, avoid eating hard foods or using your teeth to open packages or bottles.

If you live near Warminster, PA and have a tooth that might be broken, call Dr. Kiran Satashia, DMD at (215) 957-0700 to schedule an immediate appointment.

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