How to treat a cracked tooth: First aid and next steps

 
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A cracked tooth might not always be a serious problem, but in most cases it should be addressed as soon as possible to limit the risk of further damage or infection. Severe damage should generally be treated as an emergency.

But before you arrive at the dentist, there are a few things you can do by way of first aid and treatment steps. Here’s what you need to know about treating cracked teeth, and what to do if you’re worried.

Let’s take a look.

 
In this article:

 

 

Identifying your crack: Common types of broken teeth

Types of tooth fracture

Teeth can crack in different ways, and depending on your type of crack it may or may not be serious. If you’ve noticed any of the following types of crack or fracture in your mouth, you’re experiencing any common symptoms of broken teeth, or you’re just not sure, it’s best to visit a dentist and get a professional opinion.

  1. Chipped tooth: A minor chip on the surface of the tooth, usually leaving a rough patch where the chip has come off. Unlikely to be causing pain, but may cause sensitivity to hot or cold.

    • Seek treatment? As soon as you can. The damage may be able to be restored.

  2. Cracked tooth: A crack which starts at the top/crown of your tooth and extends down, but not below the gumline. Likely to cause pain when biting, plus sensitivity.

    • Seek treatment? As soon as you can. This is an infection risk.

  3. Cracked tooth (below the gumline): A crack that sits predominantly below the gumline, though it may start on the surface. A crack that starts in the root and runs to the surface may be called a vertical root fracture. Sometimes asymptomatic at first when hidden, but symptoms can develop if it widens.

    • Seek treatment? As soon as you can. This is an infection risk.

  4. Hairline fracture: One or more tiny hairline cracks on the surface of the tooth. Often called craze lines. Unlikely to cause any pain or sensitivity.

    • Seek treatment? Only if you’re worried, or if the cracks get worse.

  5. Fractured cusp: A cusp is the bit of your tooth which sticks out from the rest, on the chewing surface. For example, your canines have one, your premolars have two, and your molars will likely have four or five. A chip or break here may not cause any pain, but is likely to leave you with some sensitivity.

    • Seek treatment? As soon as you can. 

  6. Split tooth: A tooth that has entirely split in two due to a deep crack.

    • Seek treatment? As an emergency.

How do I know if my cracked tooth is serious?

Regardless of the type of crack, with the exception of hairline cracks, you’re generally best going to see a dentist – even if you’re asymptomatic otherwise.

The reason is that cracks in your tooth enamel (the outside layer of your teeth) can let bacteria through to the sensitive inner parts of the tooth. This can lead to infections and gum disease, tooth abscesses and tooth loss, all of which are very serious.

 
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How to treat a cracked tooth

Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the type and severity of the crack. In minor cases, treatment options like fillings, crowns and other restorative work may be enough to fix the issue completely. In other cases, more severe damage may necessitate a root canal or tooth extraction.

While some first aid and home care treatments will help ease the symptoms of a cracked tooth, it is not treatable at home.

Immediate steps: First aid for a broken tooth

If you suffer an injury that results in a cracked or broken tooth, here’s what to do immediately:

  1. If a fragment has come off, find it and wrap it in wet gauze. Take it to the dentist and they may be able to reattach it.

  2. Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, or a lukewarm salt water solution, to clean it out. This will remove food debris, and can help prevent infection.

  3. Use a cold compress on the area (pressed against the outside of the face, not the tooth itself) to help reduce swelling.

  4. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

  5. Make an appointment with your dentist. If it’s an emergency, seek out an emergency dentist or, if there is none available near you in Northland, your nearest A&E.

Pain management for a chipped or broken tooth

Over-the-counter pain medication (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) may offer some immediate pain relief after cracking your tooth. But, never exceed the recommended dose and, if you take any medication before visiting the dentist, let them know while they examine your injury - it may affect their treatment recommendations.

How your dentist will treat your cracked tooth

The likely treatment option for your cracked tooth will vary depending on the type and severity of the crack. Some common treatments include:


Polishing and contouring

This is where your dentist reduces any roughness caused by a chip, and slightly adjusts the shape of your chewing surfaces. A polish will help smooth it all out to finish.


Bonding

If the crack is only small, your dentist may be able to just fill it in. Here, they would apply a tooth-coloured resin to your crack and blend it in to fit the shape of your bite.

Bonding methods can also be used to reattach chipped tooth fragments, if they’re large enough and in good condition.


Dental crown

Here, your dentist permanently attaches a ceramic cap to your damaged tooth to cover the damage and protect it.

This would require a small procedure on the day (to make space for the crown), and also the taking of an impression of your mouth. Your dentist will likely fit you with a temporary crown while a custom one is made from your impression.

Learn more: Dental crown treatment


Dental veneers

Dental veneers may be an option if the damage is on your front teeth. Veneers are generally made of porcelain or composite (with porcelain being the longer-lasting, but generally more expensive, of the two options), and are attached to the front of a tooth to give it a new, restored look.

Learn more: Dental veneer treatment


Root canal

If the crack reaches down to your tooth pulp (the tooth’s soft centre), your dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and restore your tooth’s integrity before it’s too late to save.

A root canal is where the pulp is removed and replaced with a plastic-like substance which fills the space and seals it.

This procedure used to have a reputation for being quite uncomfortable, but these days it’s no more painful than a simple filling, though it takes a few trips to the dentist to complete.

Learn more: Root canal treatment


Tooth extraction

In the event that damage to your tooth is too extensive, infection has caused too much decay, or it simply can’t be saved, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to prevent further complications.

Learn more: Tooth extraction treatment

Long-term care tips for your broken tooth

After your trip to the dentist

Your dentist will recommend a series of at-home recovery steps based on your broken tooth treatment, and these steps will vary quite a bit from treatment to treatment.

It’s likely you will have some sensitivity in the healing area for a little while, and won’t be able to chew there for at least the first week. You might also need to go back to the dentist a bit more frequently for a while, so they can see that you’re healing properly.

Learn more: What to eat after tooth extraction

Preventing cracked teeth in future

To prevent yourself having to go through all of this again, it’s best to take care of your teeth. While you can never truly prevent accidents, there’s plenty of steps you can take which will reduce the likelihood of your teeth cracking for other reasons.

So what should you be thinking about?


Always practice good oral hygiene

Brittle, damaged teeth are more likely to crack than healthy teeth. Good oral hygiene, therefore, is one of the best things you can do to keep your teeth safe in the long term.

Learn more: How to clean your gums and keep them healthy


Protect your teeth during sports

If you play any contact sports, or any activity where you’re likely to take a blow to the face or fall over, always wear a mouthguard. 

Learn more: Getting a sports guard


Protect your teeth if you grind them at night

Grinding your teeth at night is called bruxism, and it can wear your teeth down over time – leading to cracks and fractures.

There are a few lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the chances you’ll grind your teeth at night (see the link below), or you can wear a night guard to protect them even if you keep grinding.

Learn more: Bruxism, and how to treat it


Avoid chewing hard things

Crunching down on hard things like ice, lollipops or your fingernails might seem like an innocent idea at the time, but it can break your teeth.


Cracked teeth FAQ

  • Yes, cracked teeth can often be fixed. For minor damage, your dentist may simply be able to fill in the cracks with a special resin-like substance. Alternatively, larger cracks can be treated and protected with treatments like crowns and veneers.

  • Usually it is not OK to just leave a cracked tooth. While tiny hairline cracks may not be a long-term problem, anything larger warrants a trip to the dentist. Cracks can let bacteria into the sensitive inner part of your tooth, risking infection and more serious damage.

  • In most cases a cracked tooth can indeed be saved. Generally it’s only when the crack goes right down to the root, has entirely split the tooth, or is otherwise pretty extensive that your dentist may recommend an extraction.

    If you’re worried about a cracked tooth, it’s best to consult your dentist as soon as possible to get a professional opinion.

  • In some contexts you can still brush a broken tooth, though you might find it quite uncomfortable. 

    If you’re waiting to visit the dentist to get mild to moderate damage fixed, you’ll need to keep the area clean and that means brushing twice a day, flossing too. Just do it all quite gently. A warm salt water rinse may also provide some relief, and additional cleaning.

    For more substantial tooth damage, go to an emergency dentist or your nearest A&E and get a professional opinion before touching or brushing the area further.

 
 
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Worried about your cracked tooth? See us as soon as possible

Book an appointment with us as soon as possible for any concerns about a cracked or broken tooth. We’ll examine the area, talk to you about the injury and make a professional recommendation about what to do next.

We also offer emergency dental, in case you need immediate help.

Come see us on Maunu Road in Whangārei, contact us online or call 09 430 0707.

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