Broken Tooth Treatment in Riverside, CA
A broken tooth is a tooth that has been damaged and is no longer in one piece. It can range from a small piece of enamel breaking off to a crack that extends into the root or a tooth that splits completely. At Riverside Tooth Co., Dr. Sandhu provides prompt, gentle care for broken teeth in Riverside, CA . Even if you are not in pain, a broken tooth should be examined quickly, because early treatment can prevent infection and save the tooth.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Broken Teeth
Not all broken teeth are alike, and the right treatment depends on the type and severity of the damage:
- Craze lines: Tiny surface cracks in the enamel that are usually cosmetic.
- Fractured cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often around a large filling.
- Cracked tooth: A crack runs from the chewing surface toward the root and may cause pain when biting.
- Split tooth: The tooth separates into distinct segments, usually from an untreated crack.
- Vertical root fracture: A crack that starts in the root and may not be noticed until infection develops.
Smaller breaks may look similar to a chipped tooth, while deeper fractures can cause a toothache, sensitivity, or swelling.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth
Teeth often break from biting down on something hard like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, or from trauma during sports, falls, or accidents. Tooth decay and large old fillings can weaken teeth and make them more likely to fracture. Grinding and clenching put heavy pressure on teeth, and habits such as chewing pens or opening packages with your teeth increase the risk as well.
Steps to Take When You Break a Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply gentle pressure with gauze for about 10 minutes to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
- Save any large fragments in milk or saliva.
- Call our office right away for an emergency appointment.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
When a small piece of enamel breaks off, Dr. Sandhu may repair it with dental bonding or a tooth-colored filling. Larger breaks are often restored with a dental crown that covers and strengthens the tooth. If the fracture reaches the pulp, root canal therapy removes the damaged tissue before the tooth is sealed and crowned. In rare cases where a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction followed by a dental implant restores your smile. Learn more about our emergency dentistry services.
Broken Tooth FAQs
Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?
Yes. Even if it does not hurt, a broken tooth can expose the inner layers to bacteria and lead to infection. Call (951) 686-2565 to be seen as soon as possible.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel cannot repair itself, so a broken tooth needs professional treatment to restore and protect it.
What should I do if I break a tooth?
Rinse with warm water, apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is bleeding, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, save any pieces in milk, and call our office right away.
How is a broken tooth fixed?
Treatment depends on the damage and may include bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, extraction and replacement.
Why does my broken tooth hurt when I bite?
Biting can flex a crack and irritate the nerve inside the tooth. This often means the crack is deep and should be treated quickly.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Most broken teeth can be saved with prompt care. If a tooth cannot be saved, we offer dental implants to replace it.
How can I prevent broken teeth?
Wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing ice and hard objects, treat cavities early, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Get Help for a Broken Tooth Today
If you have a dental emergency, call Riverside Tooth Co. at (951) 686-2565 right away. We make every effort to see urgent patients the same day during business hours at our office on Indiana Ave in Riverside, CA .