What To Do When Half Your Tooth Breaks Off?

When a small part of a tooth breaks off, a dentist may suggest a dental filling or crown to protect and restore the tooth’s integrity. If the fracture is more severe and reaches the dental pulp, endodontic surgery, commonly known as root canal therapy, may be necessary to remove the damaged portion and preserve the remaining healthy tooth structure. This procedure also helps prevent infection and further complications.

After the treatment, it’s important to follow your dentist’s care instructions to ensure proper healing and to maintain good oral hygiene to protect your teeth from future damage. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the condition of the repaired tooth and surrounding teeth. Remember, each case is unique, so the best course of action is always determined by a dental professional after a thorough examination.

If you’ve experienced a situation where half of your tooth has broken off, it’s important to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. **Stay Calm**: Try to remain calm and avoid biting down on the broken tooth.
2. **Protect the Tooth**: If possible, try to save any pieces of the broken tooth. Rinse them gently with water and keep them moist by placing them in milk or a tooth preservation product.
3. **Seek Dental Care**: Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. Time is crucial, especially if the break is severe or if there’s pain and bleeding.
4. **Pain Management**: If you’re in pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help, but make sure to follow the dosage instructions.
5. **Avoid Certain Foods**: Stay away from hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could cause further damage to the tooth.

Remember, a broken tooth can lead to more serious issues if not treated promptly, such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth¹²³. It’s always best to consult with a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options³.

(1) Your Tooth Broke in Half—Now What? – Dental Health Society. https://dentalhealthsociety.com/fillings/your-tooth-broke-in-half-now-what/.
(2) Tooth Cracked in Half: Do This If There’s No Pain – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/tooth-cracked-in-half-no-pain-8610208.
(3) What to Do When Your Tooth Is Broken or Cracked In Half. https://www.myortho.ca/site/blog/2023/12/15/options-fix-tooth-broken-half.
(4) Tooth Cracked In Half: Can It Be Fixed? – Colgate. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/tooth-cracked-in-half-can-it-be-fixed.