Tooth Fracture – Causes, First Aid, Treatment & Prevention
Tooth Fracture: Causes, First Aid, Treatment & Prevention
A tooth fracture can happen suddenly—from a fall, biting hard food, or a sports injury. Whether it’s a small chip or a deep crack, prompt care prevents pain, infection, and tooth loss. At Dharahara Dental, we provide same‑day assessment and treatment to save your tooth and restore your smile.
Common Causes of Tooth Fractures
- Biting hard objects (ice, pens, bones, hard candy)
- Accidents and sports injuries
- Large, old fillings or root‑canal‑treated teeth without a crown
- Bruxism (night grinding/clenching)
- Sudden temperature changes (very hot drink followed by cold)
Types of Tooth Fractures
- Craze Lines: Tiny surface cracks in enamel—usually cosmetic only.
- Chipped Tooth: A small piece of enamel breaks off; may feel sharp.
- Fractured Cusp: A corner near a filling breaks.
- Cracked Tooth: A line runs from chewing surface toward the root; pain on biting.
- Split Tooth: A crack that divides the tooth into segments—often needs extraction.
- Vertical Root Fracture: Starts at the root—hard to detect; often painful on chewing.
First Aid: What to Do Immediately
- Rinse gently with warm saltwater to clean the area.
- Save any broken pieces in milk or saline (if available).
- Protect sharp edges with sugar‑free gum or dental wax to avoid lip/tongue cuts.
- Cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Pain relief with OTC medication as directed (avoid aspirin on gums).
- See a dentist ASAP—ideally the same day, especially if there’s pain or sensitivity.
Treatment Options at Dharahara Dental
- Smoothening & Bonding: For small chips and cosmetic repairs.
- Dental Filling/Inlay: Restores minor fractures affecting chewing surfaces.
- Dental Crown: Covers and protects cracked/large‑restoration teeth.
- Root Canal Treatment (RCT): For fractures reaching the pulp (nerve) with pain/sensitivity.
- Extraction & Replacement: For non‑restorable splits; options include implant, bridge, or partial denture.
When Is It an Emergency?
- Severe pain or continuous throbbing
- Facial swelling, fever, or pus discharge
- Trauma with bleeding or loose tooth after an accident
Prevention Tips
- Wear a custom mouthguard for sports or night grinding.
- Avoid chewing hard objects; cut tough foods into smaller pieces.
- Replace large, failing fillings and place crowns on vulnerable teeth.
- Regular dental checkups every 6 months.
Book Same‑Day Care
Chipped or cracked a tooth? Book an appointment with Dharahara Dental for fast, expert treatment and long‑term protection.
FAQs on Tooth Fractures
1. Will a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel doesn’t self‑heal. Early treatment prevents the crack from spreading.
2. My tooth only chipped a little—do I need treatment?
Yes, even small chips can harbor bacteria and worsen. Bonding is quick and protective.
3. Do all cracked teeth need crowns?
Not always. Minor fractures may be filled; deeper cracks often need crowns to prevent splitting.
4. I have pain on biting but no visible crack—what could it be?
Possible “cracked tooth syndrome.” We use bite tests and imaging to diagnose and treat early.