How do teeth break?

While teeth are remarkably strong there are a variety of reasons why they chip or break. For instance, biting on something hard such as a boiled sweet can cause the tooth to chip or crack.

Similarly, if something hits the face or a person falls over banging the mouth on a hard surface it could break a tooth.

Tooth decay and its subsequent treatment invariably make the teeth that little bit weaker. So, chipping or cracking are an increased possibility.

While minor cracks or chips are not usually painful, they can nevertheless feel a little awkward in the mouth. Running the tongue over a chipped tooth can feel sharp. Occasionally a person can feel pain when chewing.

Treating fractured teeth

It is important to realise that it is not possible to self treat broken teeth. This requires the skill of the dentist. So, if it is something that is troublesome, it is vital that a visit to the dental practitioner is made.

Visiting the dentist could also indicate whether the cause of the fracture warrants emergency surgery, particularly if the nerve is damaged. If so, root canal therapy may be required.

What types of fracture are there?

There are a number of different types of broken tooth, all of which will need treating in a different way. For instance, minor cracks in the enamel may just need the application of enamel polish. Similarly, chipped teeth generally don’t require treatment but the dentist may advise adding a filler to prevent further damage. The same applies to broken cusps.

More major cracks may require filling or a crown fitted. Serious cases especially where bleeding occurs may require root canal treatment

In some cases, the break may originate in the root and spread through to the surface of the tooth. If this is the case there may be infection of the root. Again root canal treatment may be necessary.

Finally, if the tooth is weak and starting to crumble, then restorative dental therapy may be advised.