What Is a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth refers to damage where a significant portion of the tooth structure has fractured or separated. This is distinct from a minor chip, which typically affects only a small area of enamel, and from a cracked tooth, where fracture lines may be present without pieces actually breaking away.
Broken teeth can vary considerably in severity. Some breaks affect only the outer enamel layer, whilst others extend into the softer dentine beneath or even reach the pulp chamber where the tooth's nerve and blood supply reside. In more severe cases, the break may extend below the gum line or into the root structure.
The location and extent of the break determine both the symptoms you experience and the treatment options available. Front teeth are commonly affected due to their exposed position, whilst back teeth may break due to the significant forces involved in chewing.
Common Causes of a Broken Tooth
Teeth can break for various reasons, and the severity can vary significantly depending on the cause and the tooth's pre-existing condition.
Trauma or Accidents
Falls, sports injuries, or impacts to the face can cause teeth to break, particularly front teeth that are more exposed.
Biting Hard Foods or Objects
Chewing ice, hard sweets, bones, or non-food items places excessive stress on teeth and may cause sudden breaks.
Weakened Teeth
Teeth with untreated decay, large fillings, or previous root canal treatment have less structural integrity and are more prone to breaking.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Chronic grinding or clenching creates repetitive stress that weakens enamel over time, increasing fracture risk.
Previous Dental Treatment
Teeth that have had extensive restorations may have reduced natural structure, making them more susceptible to breakage.
Temperature Extremes
Sudden temperature changes—such as biting into hot food followed by a cold drink—can stress tooth enamel and contribute to cracks that may eventually break.
Symptoms Associated with a Broken Tooth
The symptoms of a broken tooth depend on the extent of damage and whether sensitive inner structures are exposed. You may experience one or more of the following:
Visible Loss of Tooth Structure
A portion of the tooth may be clearly missing, ranging from a small piece to half the tooth or more.
Pain or Sensitivity
Broken teeth often cause sensitivity to temperature, sweetness, or air, particularly if dentine or pulp is exposed.
Sharp Edges
The broken edge may feel rough or sharp against the tongue, cheek, or lip, causing irritation.
Pain When Biting
Discomfort or sharp pain when chewing can indicate damage to the tooth's structure or nerve.
Swelling or Tenderness
Inflammation in the surrounding gums may develop, particularly if the break has exposed inner tooth layers.
Intermittent or Constant Pain
Pain may come and go or remain persistent, depending on the severity and whether the nerve is affected.
Why Professional Assessment Is Important
Professional assessment is essential for broken teeth, even when symptoms seem mild. The visible damage may not reflect the full extent of the problem—fracture lines can extend deeper into the tooth structure than is apparent, and the nerve may be affected even without obvious symptoms initially.
When a tooth breaks, the protective enamel barrier is compromised. If dentine or the pulp chamber is exposed, bacteria can enter the tooth more easily, increasing the risk of infection over time. Early assessment allows your dentist to identify these risks and plan appropriate treatment.
During examination, your dentist will assess the tooth itself, your bite, and the surrounding tissues. Dental imaging such as X-rays may be used to evaluate the extent of damage, check for fractures extending into the root, and assess the health of surrounding bone.
Professional Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the extent of damage, the tooth's location, and whether the nerve is affected. Following assessment, your dentist may recommend one of the following approaches:
Dental Crowns
For significant breaks where sufficient tooth structure remains, a crown can encase the tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance.
Large Restorations or Onlays
When the break affects a specific area, particularly on back teeth, an onlay or large filling may be appropriate to rebuild the damaged section.
Root Canal Treatment
If the break extends into the pulp chamber and the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth can be restored with a crown.
Tooth Extraction
When a tooth cannot be preserved—such as when the break extends below the gum line or into the root—extraction may be the most appropriate option to prevent ongoing problems.
Temporary Measures
In some cases, temporary restorations or coverings may be placed to protect the tooth while definitive treatment is planned.
Your dentist will discuss suitable options following examination, taking into account the long-term prognosis of the tooth and your individual circumstances.
Professional Care for a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth should be assessed promptly by a dentist to determine the most appropriate and stable treatment option. Our dental team can evaluate the extent of damage and recommend suitable treatment to restore function and protect against further complications.
Depending on your needs, this may involve emergency dental assessment, dental crowns to restore strength and shape, root canal treatment if the nerve is affected, or tooth extraction when the tooth cannot be preserved.
Assessment and treatment for broken teeth are available across our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional dental assessment.
Can a Broken Tooth Get Worse if Untreated?
Yes, broken teeth can deteriorate if left untreated. The exposed surfaces are more vulnerable to further damage from normal chewing forces, and additional pieces may break away over time. The sharp edges can also cause ongoing trauma to soft tissues in the mouth.
More significantly, if the break has exposed the dentine or pulp, bacteria can gradually infiltrate the tooth's interior. This may lead to infection, abscess formation, or the death of the tooth's nerve—complications that can require more extensive treatment than would have been needed initially.
For these reasons, professional assessment is advisable even when a broken tooth is not causing significant immediate symptoms. Early intervention typically allows for simpler, more predictable treatment.
Reducing the Risk of Broken Teeth
While not all tooth fractures can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce your risk:
- Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice, hard sweets, and popcorn kernels
- Do not use teeth to open packages, bottles, or hold objects
- Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports or high-risk activities
- If you grind your teeth, discuss a protective night guard with your dentist
- Attend regular dental check-ups to identify weakened teeth early
- Address decay and damaged fillings promptly to maintain tooth strength
