How to fix a broken tooth? The right treatment depends on where the tooth is broken, how much healthy structure remains, and whether the inner part of the tooth is affected. A dental evaluation helps determine whether the tooth can be repaired, or needs replacement to protect your oral health.
What Is a Broken Tooth and What Causes It?
A broken tooth occurs when part of the tooth structure breaks away, or a fracture extends through the tooth. Unlike a small chip, a broken tooth usually involves more damage and may affect the enamel, dentin, pulp, or root.
- Biting hard foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candy
- Sports injuries or accidental falls
- Car accidents or facial injuries
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
- Tooth decay that makes the tooth more fragile
What Should You Do If You Break a Tooth?
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress if there is swelling
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum
- Avoid chewing on the damaged side
- Eat soft foods until your tooth is examined
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, seek emergency dental care immediately. Handle the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist until you receive professional care.
Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Bleeding that does not stop
- A loose tooth after an injury
- A break that exposes the inner part of the tooth
- Difficulty biting or closing your teeth normally
How to Fix a Broken Tooth: 6 Treatment Options
The best broken tooth repair option depends on the severity of the damage, the location of the tooth, and the amount of healthy structure remaining.
1. Dental Filling or Bonding
For small breaks that do not affect the strength of the tooth, dental bonding or a filling may restore the damaged area. Your dentist uses a tooth-colored material to rebuild the missing portion and improve the appearance of the tooth.
This option is often completed in one visit and works best when enough natural tooth structure remains.
2. Porcelain Veneers
For certain broken front teeth, porcelain veneers may improve appearance while restoring the visible portion of the tooth. A veneer is a thin shell placed over the front surface to improve shape, color, and symmetry.
Veneers are generally considered when the tooth structure is healthy enough, and the concern is mainly cosmetic.
3. Dental Onlays
An onlay may be recommended when a back tooth loses part of its chewing surface but still has enough healthy structure to support repair.
Unlike a crown that covers the entire tooth, an onlay restores the damaged area while preserving more natural tooth structure.
4. Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers the visible portion of a damaged tooth and helps restore strength and function. Dentists commonly use crowns for larger breaks, weakened teeth, or teeth with large existing fillings.
The crown matches your bite and protects the remaining tooth from further damage.
5. Root Canal Treatment With a Crown
If a broken tooth exposes the pulp, bacteria can reach the nerve and cause infection. In these cases, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the damaged tissue and seal the inside of the tooth.
When limited tooth structure remains above the gum line, your dentist may use a post and crown to rebuild and protect the tooth.
6. Dental Implant or Bridge
Some severely damaged teeth cannot be restored, especially when the fracture extends below the gum or affects the root. In these situations, removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge may be recommended.
Can a Broken Tooth at the Gum Line Be Saved?
What Is the Difference Between a Broken Tooth and a Chipped Tooth?
| Component | Chipped Tooth | Broken Tooth |
| Damage | Small piece of enamel breaks away | Larger portion of tooth structure is lost |
| Severity | Usually affects appearance or causes minor sensitivity | May affect tooth strength and deeper layers |
| Common Causes | Hard foods, minor injuries, everyday wear | Trauma, decay, large fillings, weakened tooth |
| Effect on Tooth | May not affect the inner nerve | Can reach dentin, pulp, or the nerve |
| Treatment | Bonding, smoothing, or minor repair | Filling, crown, root canal, or replacement |
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Tooth?
| Treatment | Common Use |
| Bonding or filling | Small breaks with enough healthy structure |
| Veneers | Cosmetic repair for certain front teeth |
| Onlays | Moderate damage on back teeth |
| Crowns | Larger breaks requiring protection and strength |
| Root canal with crown | Damage affecting the nerve |
| Implant or bridge | Teeth that cannot be restored |
Note: Your dentist can provide an accurate estimate after examining the tooth. Insurance coverage and financing options may also affect the final cost.
What Happens If You Leave a Broken Tooth Untreated?
Even without pain, a dental exam can identify hidden damage and determine whether the tooth can be saved. Early treatment may let your dentist save more natural tooth structure and prevent more complex procedures later.
Conclusion
Restore Your Broken Tooth at Smile Boutique Group
If you have a broken tooth, Smile Boutique Group can evaluate the damage and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Our team provides cosmetic and restorative dental care, including crowns, root canal treatment, veneers, and dental implants, based on the condition of your tooth.
Schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills location by calling (424) 453-3495 or our Northridge location by calling (818) 570-8276.
