A dental fracture or a broken tooth can affect both the appearance and health of your mouth, as well as your comfort. Acting quickly is essential to avoid complications, such as infections or tooth loss, and to restore functionality as soon as possible.
What is a dental fracture?
A dental fracture, also known as a broken tooth, occurs when part of the tooth cracks, chips, or breaks completely. This injury can affect only the outermost layer of the tooth (enamel) or extend into the dentin and even the pulp, where the nerve is located.
There are many possible causes. The most common include trauma from blows or falls, chewing hard foods such as ice, bones, or nuts, or sports accidents without mouth protection. Less obvious causes include bruxism, advanced cavities that weaken the tooth structure, large old fillings, or previous root canal treatments that have left the tooth more fragile. Even natural aging can make teeth more prone to fractures, especially after age 50, when enamel becomes less flexible.
Types of tooth fractures
The types of fractures we usually encounter include:
- Small enamel cracks: barely noticeable, usually painless.
- Enamel and dentin fractures: affect the outer layers and may cause sensitivity.
- Fracture with pulp exposure: the nerve is affected, usually causing pain and bleeding.
- Root or crown-root fracture: involves both the root and crown; may require extraction or root canal treatment.
- Split tooth: the tooth is divided into two parts and often needs to be extracted and replaced with an implant.
How is a broken tooth repaired?
The approach depends on the type and severity of the fracture. A broken tooth can be repaired in the following ways:
Composite restoration
When the fracture is minor and only affects the enamel or a small portion of the dentin, the most common solution is to rebuild the tooth with composite resin. This material matches the color of the tooth and allows it to be restored quickly and in a minimally invasive way.
Placement of dental veneers
If the broken tooth has lost a visible front portion, such as with incisors, dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic option. These thin shells of porcelain or composite are placed on the front surface of the tooth to restore its shape, color, and alignment. Veneers offer a very natural result and, in many cases, also strengthen the tooth structure.
Root canal treatment
When the fracture reaches the pulp and affects the nerve, a root canal is necessary. This procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning the canals, and sealing them. Afterward, a crown is usually placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Dental crown placement
For extensive fractures where a large part of the tooth is missing but the root remains intact, a crown is placed. This cap completely covers the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
Tooth extraction and dental implant
If the fracture affects the root or the tooth is completely split, it may not be salvageable. In these cases, the tooth is extracted and, after evaluation, replaced with a dental implant. This is a permanent, aesthetic, and functional solution that fully restores the smile.
First aid at home
After a fracture: rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gauze if there is bleeding, use a cold compress, and store the tooth fragment in saline, saliva, or milk. Then, go to the dentist urgently: the sooner your case is assessed, the greater the chance of saving the tooth.
We repair dental fractures
At Gross Dentistas, we know a broken tooth can’t wait. That’s why we offer a specialized emergency dental service in Málaga, available every day, including weekends and holidays. Our team of professionals is ready to act immediately in any case of dental fracture, from minor cracks to complex breaks requiring advanced treatment.
We use cutting-edge technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective solution. Whether with a simple restoration or a complete treatment involving a crown or implant, come on to our dental clinic in Malaga.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
