Broken-Fractured Tooth

A broken or fractured tooth means the hard outer part of the tooth has cracked or broken. The damage can be small and hard to see, or it can be a large piece that has come away. Biting on something hard, a fall, a sports injury, or a tooth weakened by decay can all lead to a fracture, and pain may come and go rather than staying constant.

What Broken-Fractured Tooth involves

A dentist will look for the line of the crack, check whether the inner part of the tooth is exposed, and use an X-ray when needed to see damage that is not visible on the surface. Treatment depends on where the crack is, how deep it goes, and whether the tooth can be protected and kept comfortable.

Signs of Broken-Fractured Tooth

• A visible crack, chip, or missing piece
• Sharp pain when biting or when the tooth meets hot or cold food
• A rough edge that catches the tongue or cheek
• Swelling or tenderness around the tooth

What to do right away for Broken-Fractured Tooth

• Rinse your mouth gently with clean water
• If a piece has broken off, keep it in a clean container if you can find it
• Avoid biting on that side and avoid very hard foods
• Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum if it is cutting your mouth, then call for help

How a dentist may help with Broken-Fractured Tooth

• Examine the tooth and test how it responds to pressure and temperature
• Take an X-ray to check for deeper damage
• Repair, protect, or rebuild the tooth in a way that fits the damage
• Discuss follow-up if the crack may affect the nerve over time

When to seek urgent care for Broken-Fractured Tooth

Seek urgent care if pain is severe, swelling is spreading, the tooth is loose, or there is bleeding that will not slow.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Chipped Tooth
• Tooth Extraction
• Dental Bonding

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Broken-Fractured Tooth

Is a small crack always an emergency?

A small crack still deserves a dental check, because cracks can grow and can let bacteria reach deeper parts of the tooth.

Should I keep a broken piece?

Yes, if you can find it safely. Put it in a clean container and bring it to the dental visit.

Can I eat normally with a fractured tooth?

Avoid that side until a dentist has checked it, and choose softer foods in the meantime.