May 23, 2025
Common scenarios: Falls, biting hard objects, accidents causing tooth fractures
Key question: Can the broken tooth be saved? What’s the best treatment?
SEO keywords: "emergency care for broken tooth", "how to fix a half-broken tooth", "can a fractured tooth be repaired?"
Crown fractures (visible part):
Enamel-only crack (no pain)
Dentin exposure (temperature sensitivity)
Pulp exposure (severe pain)
Root fractures (requires X-ray):
Apical 1/3 fracture (may be saved)
Mid or cervical 1/3 fracture (high extraction risk)
Self-check tips:
Observe fracture color (pink = pulp exposure)
Test sensitivity to hot/cold
Immediate actions:
Save the broken piece (in milk/saline)
Control bleeding (sterile gauze)
Protect sharp edges (dental wax)
What NOT to do:
Soak tooth in alcohol/hydrogen peroxide
Attempt DIY reattachment
Lick the tooth root
Treatment window:
Pulp exposure: ER within 2 hours
No exposure: Dental visit within 24 hours
Fracture Type | Treatment | Process | Longevity | Cost Range |
Small enamel chip | Composite filling | 1 visit (30 min) | 3-5 yrs | $30-80 |
Dentin exposure | Porcelain veneer | 2 visits (impression + fitting) | 8-15 yrs | $200-600 |
Pulp exposure | Root canal + crown | 3-4 visits | 10-20 yrs | $500-1200 |
Mid-root fracture | Extraction + implant | 3-6 months | 20+ yrs | $1200-3000 |
Baby teeth:
Prioritize permanent tooth development
Often smoothed down
Developing permanent teeth:
Vital pulp therapy (MTA pulpotomy)
Temporary filling for monitoring
Adult teeth:
Save natural tooth if possible
Higher aesthetic demands
Post-treatment care:
Avoid hard foods (6-month observation)
Wear mouthguards (for sports)
Use specialized floss (around crowns)
Potential complications:
Pulp necrosis (regular checkups for 2 years)
Restoration failure (avoid sticky foods)
Gum recession (water flosser recommended)
✖ "No pain = no problem" (silent pulp necrosis risk)
✖ "Baby teeth don’t need treatment" (may infect permanent teeth)
✖ "All broken teeth can be reattached" (requires ideal conditions)
✖ "Dental crowns last forever" (replace every 5-8 years)
Key steps:
Preserve the fragment (keep moist)
See a dentist within 48 hours
Choose the right treatment
Emergency contacts:
Weekdays: Prioritize dental specialists
Nights/weekends: Hospital ER with dental services