Tooth Fracture
In this section, we will cover:
- What is a tooth fracture?
- What are the types?
- Will I need treatment?
What is a tooth fracture?
These is where the tooth has broken into two or more pieces following an impact to the mouth. The fracture can happen above or below the gum.
What are the types?
The type of fracture can be categorised according to which part of the tooth has broken.
Crown fracture ("chipped tooth")
The white part of the tooth which you can see above the gum has chipped or broken. The tooth may feel sharp or rough.
This can be categorised even further depending on which layer of the tooth has been exposed:
- enamel fracture (outer layer of tooth is chipped)
- find out more: baby tooth or adult tooth - enamel-dentine fracture (middle layer exposed)
- find out more: baby tooth or adult tooth - enamel-dentine-pulp fracture (nerve exposed)
- find out more: baby tooth or adult tooth
If the dentine or pulp (nerve) is exposed, the tooth is usually very sensitive.
Root fracture
The root of the tooth, which holds the tooth in the jawbone, has fractured. You won't be able to see where the tooth has broken as it is below the gum.
The tooth will be wobbly and might be displaced (i.e. in a different position to before the injury).
Find out more: baby tooth or adult tooth
Crown root fracture
The fracture line goes through the crown and root of the tooth. This is where the fracture runs from above to below the gum.
The broken part of tooth will be loose but held in by the gum.
Find out more: baby tooth or adult tooth
Will I need treatment?
Not all injured teeth need treatment. You or your child will need treatment if:
- the tooth is causing pain or discomfort
- the tooth is interfering with the bite
- the tooth has become infected, or is likely to become infected without further treatment
The aims of treatment are:
- Relieve any pain or discomfort
- Prevent damage to the underlying adult tooth (more relevant for baby teeth)
- Maintain the tooth for as long as possible (more relevant for adult teeth)
The treatment which can be offered depends on your/your child's level of anxiety and co-operation with dental examination and treatment.
Often no treatment is a good option for young pre-cooperative children. You and your dentist can monitor the tooth for any signs of problems (such as discolouration, pain or abscess on the gum) and manage them when they arise. This prevents any unnecessary anxiety for your child.