General Information About Tooth Fractures
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Cracking hard-shelled foods like hazelnuts/walnuts, traumas (falls, impacts), fatigue due to prolonged teeth grinding (bruxism), or deep cavities that weaken the tooth from the inside lead to fractures.
If the fracture is only in the outermost enamel layer, it does not cause pain; only a sharp edge poking the tongue is felt. However, if the fracture extends to the dentin or nerve layer (pulp), hot/cold sensitivity and throbbing pain occur.
The mouth should be rinsed with warm water, and if there is bleeding, pressure should be applied with clean gauze. If the broken tooth fragment is found, it should be stored in a glass of milk or saliva, and a dentist should be consulted urgently.
The dentist examines the type and size of the fracture. It is essential to take an X-ray to determine whether the fracture line extends towards the root of the tooth or reaches the nerves.
If there is only an aesthetic and functional loss, the missing part of the tooth is completed with tooth-colored composite (light-cured) fillings after an acid etching (bonding) process.
If the fracture has exposed the nerves, root canal treatment is first applied to the tooth. To prevent the weakened tooth from breaking again, it is protected by covering it with zirconium or porcelain crowns.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
