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A tooth or molar can break unexpectedly. This can happen while eating, due to a fall or accident, but sometimes also because a tooth was already weakened by a large filling, wear, or tooth decay. A healthy tooth is strong, but it can be damaged if enough force is applied. Not every broken tooth is equally serious. First, try to calmly assess what has happened. Blood in the mouth does not always originate from the tooth itself. For example, a fall or trauma can also damage the gums, the lip, or the inside of the cheek. No pain does not automatically mean that the damage is harmless. Not every small fracture requires immediate emergency treatment. A completely knocked-out permanent tooth<\/strong> is a different situation than a broken tooth and requires rapid action. Sometimes, yes. The dentist first examines how much tooth tissue has been lost and how deep the fracture goes. Often, yes. When a large portion of a tooth or molar has been lost, a simple composite restoration may sometimes provide insufficient strength. When the pulp becomes seriously damaged or inflamed due to the fracture, a root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth. Unfortunately, not always. Do not attempt to repair the tooth yourself with household glue or other materials. Avoid chewing on the side of the damaged tooth for the time being and choose softer foods if necessary. Yes. Even after a tooth initially appears calm, symptoms can sometimes develop later. Not every accident can be prevented, but some risks can be reduced. Have you broken a tooth or molar? Then contact We Smile Tandartsen in Leiden<\/strong>. Do you have severe pain, a loose or displaced tooth, a large fracture, or a visible red\/pink area in the tooth<\/strong> following an accident? Then please contact us as soon as possible.Have you broken a tooth? Make an appointment so we can assess which treatment is necessary. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n{\n “@context”: “https:\/\/schema.org”,\n “@type”: “FAQPage”,\n “mainEntity”: [\n {\n “@type”: “Question”,\n “name”: “Wat moet ik direct doen bij een afgebroken tand?”,\n “acceptedAnswer”: “@type”: “Answer”,\n “text”: “Spoel uw mond met lauw water, bewaar het afgebroken stukje (bij voorkeur in melk of speeksel) en koel de wang bij zwelling met een koud kompres. Neem contact op met de tandarts voor advies en beoordeling.”\n },\n {\n “@type”: “Question”,\n “name”: “Wanneer is een afgebroken tand spoed?”,\n “acceptedAnswer”: “@type”: “Answer”,\n “text”: “Het is spoed bij hevige pijn, een grote breuk, een loszittende tand, zichtbare zenuw (rood\/roze puntje), zwelling of bloeding die niet stopt. Bel in deze gevallen direct de tandarts.”\n },\n {\n “@type”: “Question”,\n “name”: “Kan het afgebroken stukje tand weer worden teruggeplaatst?”,\n “acceptedAnswer”: “@type”: “Answer”,\n “text”: “Soms kan dat. Bewaar het stukje daarom in melk of speeksel en neem het mee naar de tandarts. Of het teruggeplaatst kan worden hangt af van de breuk en de conditie van het stukje.”\n },\n {\n “@type”: “Question”,\n “name”: “Welke behandelingen zijn mogelijk bij een afgebroken tand?”,\n “acceptedAnswer”: “@type”: “Answer”,\n “text”: “Bij kleine schade kan de tandarts repareren met composiet. Bij grotere schade kan een kroon of facing nodig zijn. Als de zenuw is beschadigd kan een wortelkanaalbehandeling nodig zijn. De beste optie hangt af van de ernst van de breuk.”\n },\n {\n “@type”: “Question”,\n “name”: “Wat gebeurt er als ik niets doe met een afgebroken tand?”,\n “acceptedAnswer”: “@type”: “Answer”,\n “text”: “Zonder behandeling kan er verdere afbrokkeling, gevoeligheid, pijn of een ontsteking ontstaan. Snelle beoordeling door de tandarts verkleint de kans op complicaties.”\n }\n ]\n}\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Has a tooth or molar broken off? Discover what you should do immediately, how to prevent further damage, and which treatments are available to restore your tooth. Read when you need emergency dental care and how We Smile Tandartsen in Leiden can assist you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5182,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geen-onderdeel-van-een-categorie","category-pain-dental-problems"],"yoast_head":"\n
Sometimes only a small piece of enamel breaks off and you have hardly any complaints. In other cases, severe pain occurs or the inner part of the tooth becomes visible.
What should you do if a tooth breaks? And how quickly should you see the dentist?
The most important thing is to have the damaged tooth assessed, even if you are not in pain<\/strong>. How the tooth can be restored depends on the size and depth of the fracture and the condition of the tooth. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>Why can a tooth or molar break?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For example, a tooth can break due to a fall, a sports accident, or a hard blow to the mouth. Unexpectedly biting on something hard can also cause a piece of a tooth or molar to break off.
Sometimes the tooth is already weakened. This could be due to a large existing filling, caries, or a previous root canal treatment.
Teeth grinding and long-term heavy loading can also contribute to wear, cracks, or fractures of teeth and restorations.
Therefore, it is important not only to repair the fracture but also, where possible, to investigate why the tooth broke<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>How serious is a broken tooth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
In the case of a superficial fracture, only a small piece of enamel may be missing. This can feel particularly sharp, while there is little or no pain present.
When the fracture runs deeper and the underlying dentin is exposed, the tooth may become more sensitive to cold, heat, or touch.
With an even deeper fracture, the pulp\u2014the living tissue containing nerves and blood vessels within the tooth\u2014may be involved. In such cases, a prompt dental assessment can be extra important.
It is not always possible to judge from the outside how deep a fracture goes. Therefore, a check-up by a dentist is wise. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>What should you do immediately if a tooth has broken?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Rinse your mouth gently with water if there is dirt or blood present. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth for the time being and be careful with very hard foods.
Has a piece of the tooth broken off and can you find it? Save the fragment and take it with you to the dentist.<\/strong> In some situations, a tooth fragment can be used in the restoration.
Has a sharp edge developed that irritates your tongue or cheek? Do not attempt to file or grind it down yourself.
Next, contact the dentist and describe what happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>What if the tooth bleeds after breaking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
When a red or pink area is visible from the center of the broken tooth surface, the pulp may be involved.
This is a reason to have the tooth assessed quickly.
For a bleeding wound on the gums or lip, you can apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze.
If a wound continues to bleed heavily or if there is more extensive injury to the face or jaw, additional medical assessment may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>What if you have no pain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
A tooth can be broken or cracked without causing immediate pain. Also, an existing filling may have broken while the tooth itself still feels calm.
Therefore, have the tooth checked anyway.
The dentist can assess the extent of the damage, whether a crack appears to be present, and whether the inner part of the tooth is at risk. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>When is a broken tooth an emergency?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
A prompt assessment is particularly important when you have severe pain, the tooth is highly sensitive, a large portion has broken off, or the interior of the tooth appears visible<\/strong>.
Also, contact us quickly if the tooth is loose or displaced after an accident, or if multiple teeth are damaged.
In the case of clear swelling, fever, or signs of an infection, an assessment is also necessary.
Following serious injury to the face or jaw, loss of consciousness, persistent heavy bleeding, or other serious complaints, a medical assessment is important, and dental care may be part of a broader trauma evaluation.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>What if a tooth is completely out of the mouth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Handle a knocked-out permanent tooth only by the crown and try to touch the root as little as possible.
If the tooth is dirty, it must be handled gently and not scrubbed. Contact a dentist or emergency dentist immediately for instructions and prompt treatment.
If the permanent tooth cannot be replaced immediately, it can be kept moist temporarily, for example in milk, while you seek dental help as quickly as possible.
A knocked-out baby tooth must not be replaced.<\/strong>
This distinction is important, especially in the event of an accident involving a child.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Can a broken piece of tooth be replaced?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
When a relatively intact piece of a front tooth has broken off, the dentist can, in certain situations, investigate whether the fragment can be reattached to the tooth.
Whether this is possible depends on the fracture, the condition of the fragment, and the remaining tooth.
Therefore, it is wise to bring any found tooth fragment to the appointment.
When reattachment is not possible, there are usually other options available to restore the shape of the tooth.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>How does the dentist examine a broken tooth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
They also check if the tooth is sensitive, if it is still firm, and if there are indications that the pulp is involved.
In the event of an accident, surrounding teeth, gums, and other structures may also be checked for damage.
Depending on the situation, an X-ray may be necessary to obtain additional information that is not visible from the outside.
Only then can it be determined which treatment is most suitable.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Can a small broken piece of tooth be repaired?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For minor damage, it may sometimes be sufficient to smooth a sharp edge. When more restoration is required, the missing shape can be built up with composite<\/strong>, for example.
Composite is a tooth-colored material that can be used to restore the shape and function of the tooth.
Which solution is suitable depends on the location and extent of the damage, as well as the load placed on the tooth. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>When is a crown necessary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
In certain situations, a crown or another restorative solution may then be considered.
Factors considered include how much healthy tooth tissue remains, where the fracture is located, and how much stress the tooth receives during chewing.
A crown is therefore not automatically necessary for every broken tooth.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>When is a root canal treatment necessary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
However, this is not automatically the case for every deep fracture.
The treatment depends, among other things, on the depth of the damage, the condition of the pulp, and\u2014in the case of trauma\u2014how much time has elapsed since the accident.
The dentist therefore first assesses whether and which treatment of the pulp is required.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Can a broken tooth always be saved?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Many broken teeth can be restored, but the possibilities depend on the location and severity of the fracture.
When a fracture runs very deep below the gum line or towards the root, restoration can become more difficult.
A vertical root fracture can also significantly affect the prognosis.
When preservation is not responsibly or predictably possible, extraction may be discussed. Afterward, if necessary, options for replacing the missing tooth can be explored. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>What should you definitely not do with a broken tooth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Do not file or grind a sharp tooth edge yourself either.
Furthermore, do not wait for weeks with a clear fracture just because the tooth does not hurt.
A dental assessment provides clarity on the severity of the damage and prevents a treatable situation from unnecessarily worsening.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>What can you do for pain until you see the dentist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For pain, paracetamol may be an option for many people if it can be used safely according to the package leaflet.
Other painkillers, such as ibuprofen, are not suitable for everyone. In case of doubt, certain conditions, medication use, or pregnancy, you can consult your doctor or pharmacist about this.
For swelling after trauma, a cold compress against the outside of the cheek can be helpful. Do not place ice directly on the skin or against the damaged tooth. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>Can a broken tooth cause problems later on?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
This is especially true following trauma. The pulp may be damaged without causing immediate, clear symptoms.
Therefore, in certain situations, the dentist may advise re-checking a damaged tooth at a later date.
Contact us sooner if the tooth becomes painful, changes color significantly, if swelling occurs, or if other new symptoms arise. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>How can you prevent another tooth from breaking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For example, use a suitable mouthguard during contact sports.
Do you suffer from teeth grinding, or do pieces of teeth, fillings, or crowns break off regularly? Then discuss this with your dentist. An investigation can then be conducted to see if overloading plays a role.
In addition, it is important to treat caries promptly and to have existing large restorations checked regularly. <\/p>\n\n<\/a>Treatment for a chipped tooth in Leiden<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
We will assess the extent of the damage, whether the interior of the tooth is involved, and what options are available to restore the tooth.
A small fracture can sometimes be repaired relatively easily. For larger damage, more extensive treatment may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n