In short, a broken tooth can sometimes be saved. Whether a broken tooth can be saved or must be extracted depends on the location of the fracture on the tooth as well as the extent of the damage.
Minor cracks may be treated while maintaining a tooth's structure with dental bonding or crowns. In some cases, a root canal treatment can salvage a badly damaged tooth. However, if a severe break extends into the root or damages the tooth’s structure, extraction is likely necessary. Early evaluation and prompt treatment are crucial to determining the best course of action and increasing the chances of saving the tooth.
Thus, the best ways to prevent broken teeth is to attend regular dental check-ups and to be conscious of specific risk factors and activities.
Common Causes of Broken Teeth
Teeth can break as a result of a number of factors, including:
- Trauma from an accident or sports
- Biting down on hard objects like olive pits or unpopped popcorn kernels
- Teeth grinding, or “bruxism”
- Tooth decay, which weakens enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to fractures
Of course, only a dentist or oral surgeon, after considering a patient’s oral and overall health, can definitively determine the best option.
Treating Broken Teeth in Sydney
If you’re in Sydney and want to ensure quality care in the event of a broken tooth or any other dental emergency, contact the Sydney Emergency Dentist team to arrange an appointment or consultation.