A fall or impact, whether minor or severe, involving contact between the tooth and an external object, can cause partial or total loss of the crown.
It is also possible for a tooth to break in the event of:
- intense grinding due to repeated friction of the enamel;
- intense and violent clenching which, under the force of the jaw muscles, breaks the tooth (known as clenching);
- poor alignment of the tooth in the opposing jaw, causing repeated impacts that eventually break the tooth.
How to treat a broken tooth?
Depending on the severity of the damage, different treatments may be offered to restore the tooth:
Composite fillings: if the tooth is slightly fractured or chipped, a filling can be used to repair the damaged part of the tooth using a filling material, such as composite resin.
Dental crown: When a tooth is severely broken or weakened, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a dental prosthesis that completely covers the tooth to restore its shape, function, and appearance.
Veneer: For cosmetic damage, a porcelain or resin dental veneer can be used. The veneer is placed on the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance and hide imperfections.
Endodontics: If the broken tooth has also damaged the dental pulp (nerve), root canal treatment may be necessary. This treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, then filling and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection.