What Causes a Tooth to Break?

Teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible.

Common causes of broken teeth include:

• Biting hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
• Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
• Untreated tooth decay
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Cracked teeth that worsen over time
• Trauma from a fall or accident
• Normal wear and aging

Sometimes a tooth breaks suddenly, while in other cases it has been weakening for years before finally fracturing.

Signs and Symptoms

A broken tooth may cause:

• A missing piece of the tooth
• A sharp or rough edge
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Sensitivity to sweets
• A visible crack or fracture
• Swelling around the tooth

Some broken teeth cause very little discomfort, while others can be quite painful depending on how deep the fracture extends.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should schedule an examination as soon as possible if:

• A piece of your tooth has broken off.
• The tooth is painful or sensitive.
• It hurts when you bite down.
• You notice swelling around the tooth.
• The broken edge is cutting your tongue or cheek.

Even if the tooth isn’t painful, a broken tooth should be evaluated before the damage progresses.

How Is a Broken Tooth Diagnosed?

Determining whether a tooth can be repaired begins with a thorough examination.

During your visit, Dr. Omeltschenko may evaluate:

• Digital X-rays
• Clinical photographs
• The location and depth of the fracture
• Existing fillings or crowns
• The health of the tooth’s nerve
• Bite alignment
• Gum health

Our goal is not only to repair the broken tooth but also to understand why it broke in the first place. Factors such as tooth decay, grinding, large fillings, or bite problems may all contribute to fractures and should be addressed whenever possible.

What Happens If a Broken Tooth Is Left Untreated?

A broken tooth rarely repairs itself.

Without treatment, the fracture may:

• Become larger
• Allow bacteria to enter the tooth
• Lead to nerve inflammation or infection
• Cause pain while chewing
• Result in a dental abscess
• Require more extensive treatment
• Become impossible to restore

Treating a broken tooth early often allows for simpler, more conservative treatment.

Possible Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Possible treatment options include:

• Tooth-Colored Filling – Small fractures or chips may be repaired with bonded composite resin.

• Same-Day Crown – Larger fractures often require a crown to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth. Crowns are commonly recommended when a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost.

• Root Canal Therapy – If the fracture extends into the nerve or the nerve becomes permanently inflamed, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth.

• Tooth Extraction – Some fractures extend too far below the gumline or split the tooth in a way that cannot be predictably repaired. In these cases, extraction may be the best long-term option. Replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge can then be discussed.

Whenever possible, our goal is to preserve your natural tooth while providing treatment that offers long-term success.