What happens if part of your tooth breaks off

Chips that damage the root. If a tooth breaks off all the way at its base, a root canal procedure may save the tooth. The pulp, made up of nerves and blood vessels, is removed from the center of the tooth and a crown is placed on top. In the worst cases, the tooth might not be able to be saved and it will need to be pulled.

These types of chips are often painful and may bleed. Emergency treatment is called for. Craze Lines. Craze lines are superficial hairline cracks in the enamel that often come with age. If they are in a noticeable area of the mouth, however, the dentist can polish out the rough edges. Fractured Cusp. Cusps are the tips or bumps on teeth. A fractured cusp is a crack on the chewing surface of the tooth. A part of the cusp might break off or it might not. Often these fractures occur around an old filling that is starting to come loose.

The dentist will typically replace the filling. If the filling is taking up more than half of the tooth, a crown will probably be recommended. Cracked Tooth. A cracked tooth starts at the chewing surface and spreads all the way down to the gum line. This type of crack can be very painful and should be considered an emergency. If it extends past the gum line all the way to the root, it may be more difficult to save it.

The depth of the crack will determine the chances. A root canal may work, but extraction might be the only answer. Split Tooth. There are several ways a dentist can choose to treat a broken or chipped tooth, depending on how severe the damage is.

Here are some of the options your dental professional may consider:. Again, treatments vary from case to case, and your dentist will discuss the best options available in your situation. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment and your braces break , in addition to your tooth, you will also need to consult with your orthodontist.

Remember, seeing your dentist as soon as you can is the best thing you can do after breaking or chipping your tooth. Additionally, check out these tips on how to keep your smile safe and avoid a dental emergency, including a chipped or broken tooth. Got it, thanks! Here are the important things to remember if you break or chip a tooth. Immediately rinse your mouth out with water Stop the bleeding by applying pressure and call for help if the bleeding is excessive If the tooth comes out completely, try to preserve it in milk, saline solution, or water Apply a cold compress to help with pain and swelling Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort and inflammation See a dentist as soon as possible for treatment Rinse Out Your Mouth Immediately after chipping or breaking a tooth, try to rinse your mouth out with warm water to keep the area clean and to clear away any blood or dirt.

Try to Preserve the Tooth If your whole tooth has separated from your mouth, try to locate it as quickly as possible. Apply a Cold Compress A cold compress to the injured area will help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

See Your Dentist As Soon As Possible Seeing your dentist as soon as possible is the most crucial thing you can do after chipping or breaking a tooth. Treatments for Broken or Chipped Teeth There are several ways a dentist can choose to treat a broken or chipped tooth, depending on how severe the damage is.

The tooth often will need a crown to prevent the crack from getting worse. If the pulp nerve and other live tissues is damaged, you may need a root canal as well. Chips — Minor chips don't always need treatment.

Your dentist may suggest repairing the damage with filling material to prevent it from getting worse or to make the tooth look and feel better. If the chip is very small, the dentist may polish and smooth out the chipped area. Broken cusp — These breaks affect the pointed chewing surfaces the cusps of the teeth. They usually do not affect the pulp and are unlikely to cause much pain.

Your dentist may repair the damage to restore the tooth's shape. Frequently, however, a crown will be required. Serious breaks — These breaks go deep enough to expose the nerve. They almost always cause the tooth to hurt and be sensitive. Usually, the broken part of the tooth will bleed. You will need root canal treatment to remove the exposed nerve and probably a crown to restore the tooth to normal function, so you can eat and chew properly. Split tooth — This means that the tooth has split vertically into two separate parts.

Some teeth, such as your back teeth molars , have more than one root. It may be possible to keep one of the roots, which will then be covered with a crown. First, you will need root canal treatment.

Second, the dentist will remove any roots that cannot be kept. Third, you will need a crown to cover the root and replace the tooth. In some cases, when a root cannot be saved, the tooth will have to be removed. Vertical breaks or split root —These cracks start in the root of the tooth and extend upward toward the chewing surface.

Flush your mouth with warm water to remove any debris or food particles. If the tooth is bleeding, press against it with some gauze or a wet tea bag until the bleeding stops.

If you're in pain, applying a cold ice pack or taking medication such as ibuprofen can help. Come to our office at the earliest opportunity; as a rule, broken teeth like these are the effect of tooth decay or disease.

In the event that you can't get to our office immediately, you can temporarily repair your tooth using an over the counter bonding agent. These home tooth repair kits can be found at most drugstores, but it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional dental treatment.