110 Broken Teeth – Why did a piece of my tooth break off (5 of 5)

110 Broken Teeth – Why did a piece of my tooth break off? (5 of 5)
Various things such as the natural aging process, teeth grinding, and trauma or accidents can result in fractured or cracked teeth. Patients may notice pain, sensitivity and swelling from their broken tooth, however, there may not be any symptoms. There are multiple solutions which can be used to treat a fracture. The ideal treatment will vary based on the location and severity.

A broken or fractured tooth may also be called a cracked tooth or cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). This occurs when there is a crack in the tooth. Minor cracks can be small and harmless, while more severe cracks can cause a portion of the tooth to break off. Severe cracks can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.

While anyone can experience a tooth fracture, they are commonly seen in older patients and children. Patients who may have a broken tooth should contact their dentist immediately.

The teeth consist of two parts. This includes the crown which is the visible portion above the gums and the root or the portion of the tooth below the gums.

The crown and root contain several different layers including:
1. Enamel – The white, hard outer surface of the tooth
2. Dentin – The center of the tooth
3. Pulp – Soft tissue on the inner layer which contains nerves and blood vessels

A tooth fractures can impact one or more layers. The dentist will evaluate the severity of the fracture and its location to determine the best treatment plan. Broken teeth can be sensitive and painful. However, not all fractures include symptoms. Schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Taking prompt action helps to preserve the tooth and ensure the best outcome.

Causes
Below are the most common causes of a tooth fracture:
* Age: tooth cracks become increasingly common for patients over the age of 50
* Bruxism or chronic grinding of the teeth
* Dental fillings which are large or root canals can weaken the tooth
* Misuse: biting on ice, candy, or popcorn kernels
* Trauma such as a fall, injury from sports, physical violence, or accident

In most cases, a fracture occurs on the front upper teeth and mandibular molars or the teeth toward the back of the lower jaw. While it is most common for patients to fracture a single tooth, severe injuries or trauma can impact numerous teeth. Patients who have tooth decay or cavities are at an increased risk for a fracture.

Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms associated with a fractured or broken tooth include the following:
1. Hot and cold sensitivity or sensitivity to sweets
2. Intermittent pain, especially when chewing
3. Swelling

Depending on the treatment, repairing a broken tooth can take anywhere from few weeks to a few months. The dentist can provide a more accurate timeline for the repair. Crowns can sometimes be placed in a single day, however, multiple appointments are often required. It can take a few months to replace an extracted tooth with a dental implant. A dental veneer typically often take a few weeks start to finish.

It is possible for a cracked tooth to result in an infection or tooth abscess. Follow up with your dentist right away if you start to notice any of the following symptoms which may indicate that infection is present.
* Fever
* Halitosis or bad breath
* Sensitivity to hot and cold
* Swollen gums or lymph nodes
* Tooth pain which does not improve

Broken teeth should be taken seriously. Prompt attention is critical in preserving the tooth and ensuring the best possible outcome.