What to do in the event of a dental fracture
Discovering that a molar has split in half can be an alarming experience. A fractured tooth—especially a molar—can cause intense pain and raise concerns about the permanent loss of the tooth. Although molars are strong teeth that play an essential role in chewing, they are vulnerable to fractures due to various factors.
If you ever experience the sensation that a tooth has broken or fractured, it is essential to act quickly. How fast the fracture is treated can be crucial to saving the tooth and preventing serious complications such as infections or the loss of the affected tooth. The first thing you should do is remain calm and see a dentist as soon as possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis and explore the available treatment options.
Immediate action for a broken tooth to avoid complications
If you notice that your molar is broken, it is essential not to chew on the affected side. Otherwise, you could worsen the fracture or cause more pain. Rinse your mouth with warm water, but avoid using substances such as alcohol or abrasive products. If there is a broken piece of the tooth that you can save, place it in a container with milk or in salt water and take it to the dentist.
Early treatment not only increases the chances of saving the tooth, but also minimizes the risk of infection or additional damage to surrounding tissues. If you experience severe pain, the dentist may administer pain relievers or prescribe preventive antibiotics until definitive treatment is carried out.
What is a cracked molar and why is it a serious problem?
A cracked molar is one that has suffered a partial or complete fracture. This fracture may affect only the tooth enamel, or it may go deeper, involving the dentin or even the root. In the most severe cases, the tooth may break into several parts. A dental fracture compromises not only the structure of the tooth, but also its functionality. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the damage may be extensive enough to affect the nerve or dental pulp, which is the inner part of the tooth. This can cause intense pain, infection, and ultimately the loss of the tooth if not treated properly.
A cracked molar impacts dental health
When a fracture reaches the nerve or affects the roots, the tooth becomes much more vulnerable to infection. Bacteria can easily enter through fractures, causing abscesses or severe infections that can compromise overall oral health. A fractured tooth also loses its ability to function properly during chewing. If not treated in time, it can alter the alignment of adjacent teeth, which over time will affect chewing function and dental aesthetics. For these reasons, it is essential that any dental fracture be treated professionally as soon as possible.
Most common causes of dental fractures
Dental fractures can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes are related to the type of pressure and stress that teeth experience during chewing. Molars, in particular, are under constant load due to their role in grinding food, which makes them more susceptible to breaking. In addition, there are habits and conditions that can further weaken teeth and make them more vulnerable to fractures.
Hard foods and other risk factors
Chewing hard foods such as ice, bones, or hard candy is one of the main causes of dental fractures. These foods exert sudden pressure on the molars, which can cause them to break—especially if the tooth is already weakened due to previous wear or cavities. In addition, teeth are not only exposed to external factors, but also to wear over time. Molars with old fillings or poorly fitted crowns are more likely to fracture because they cannot withstand normal chewing pressure.
Bruxism as a cause of dental fractures
Bruxism, which involves involuntarily grinding or clenching the teeth, often occurs at night. This action places a large amount of pressure on the molars, which can cause cracks and fractures. Over time, bruxism can also wear down tooth enamel, weakening the structure of the tooth and making it more susceptible to damage. People who suffer from bruxism are often unaware of it, so it is important to watch for symptoms such as facial pain, frequent headaches, and visible tooth wear.
Can a molar split in half be saved?
The possibility of saving a broken molar depends on several factors, mainly the extent of the fracture. If the fracture does not affect the root of the tooth and only the outer part is damaged, it may be possible to restore it through simple procedures such as composite bonding or crowns. However, if the fracture is deep and has affected the nerve or root, treatment will be more complex. In severe cases, the tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted.
Treatment options for cracked molars
For molars with minor fractures, restoration with composite resin may be enough to repair the tooth. Dental crowns are also an option for teeth that have suffered significant damage but still have an intact root. In cases where the damage is so deep that it affects the nerve, a root canal treatment (endodontics) may be performed to save the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will likely recommend extraction and the placement of a dental implant or bridge to restore function and aesthetics.
Treatment options depending on the diagnosis
The appropriate treatment for a fractured molar depends on the severity of the fracture and the condition of the root and dental pulp. An accurate diagnosis performed by the dentist is essential to determine the best solution. In cases of mild fractures, composite resin may be an effective solution, while more severe fractures may require more invasive treatments, such as crowns, root canals, or even extraction of the affected tooth.
Restoration with composite resin and crowns
In the case of a minor fracture, a composite resin restoration is an effective option. This treatment is less invasive and can restore the tooth to its original shape. For more extensive fractures where the tooth loses a large amount of structure, the dentist may choose to place a dental crown. Crowns provide a protective layer over the tooth, ensuring the damage does not worsen and helping maintain functionality.
Root canal treatment and more invasive procedures
When the nerve or pulp of the tooth is compromised by the fracture, root canal treatment (endodontics) is performed to eliminate the infection and save the tooth, a common procedure at our dental clinic in Madrid specialising in emergencies and dental restoration, Crooke. This treatment may be necessary when the fracture affects the inside of the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will proceed with extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge, depending on the clinical situation.
What symptoms indicate that a molar is fractured?
Dental fractures are not always visible to the naked eye, but they can cause several symptoms that indicate something is wrong.
Pain is one of the first signs of a dental fracture, especially when chewing hard foods or biting down. Sensitivity to cold or heat may also be a sign that the tooth is affected. In some cases, fractured molars may not cause immediate pain, which may lead people to delay seeking care until the damage becomes more severe.
Pain and sensitivity as warning signs
Pain is the most common symptom of a fractured molar. This pain can be constant or intermittent and often worsens when chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth. Sensitivity to cold or heat is also a warning sign, as the fracture may have affected the tooth nerve. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications.
Prevention and care to avoid further fractures
Preventing a dental fracture is much easier than treating it after it occurs. Adopting healthy habits and protecting your teeth from situations that could damage them can significantly reduce the risk of fractures. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding hard foods that can damage teeth, and having regular dental checkups are key preventive steps. If you are prone to bruxism, wearing a night guard can also be very helpful.
Habits to strengthen teeth
Avoiding biting hard objects or using your teeth to open bottles or packages is one of the main recommendations to prevent fractures. In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to avoid problems such as cavities or premature enamel wear. Using mouthguards is essential if you practice contact sports, as they protect molars from impacts that could cause fractures.
What happens if a broken molar is not treated?
Leaving a fractured molar untreated can have serious consequences for dental health. The fracture exposes the inner part of the tooth, making it easier for bacteria to enter and potentially leading to severe infections, abscesses, or even tooth loss. If the tooth becomes infected, the damage can spread to surrounding tissues, including the bone. For this reason, it is essential to treat any dental fracture as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.
Risks of infection and complications from a cracked molar
An untreated fractured molar can develop infections that not only affect the tooth but also nearby tissues. The infection can damage the bone and other teeth, requiring more complex and costly treatments to repair the damage. In addition, chronic pain and functional loss of the affected tooth can negatively impact quality of life. That is why acting quickly in the event of any dental fracture is essential.
Conclusion: cracked molars can be treated if you act quickly
A cracked molar does not always have to mean losing the tooth. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, there are many solutions that allow fractured teeth to be restored and their function preserved. The important thing is not to ignore the problem and to see a dentist as soon as you notice any sign of a fracture. If treated in time, the chances of saving the tooth are high, and serious long-term complications can be avoided.
Frequently asked questions about cracked molars
What should I do if my molar splits in half?
The first thing you should do is avoid chewing on the affected side and rinse your mouth with warm water. Then, see a dentist as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment.
Can a cracked molar be rebuilt?
Yes. If the fracture does not significantly affect the root and pulp of the tooth, it can be rebuilt with composite resin or crowns. If the damage is more severe, a root canal may be necessary, or even extraction.
Does a broken molar always hurt?
Not necessarily. Some fractures may not cause pain immediately. However, if the fracture affects the nerve or becomes infected, the pain can be intense.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked molar?
The cost depends on the required treatment. Composite restorations cost between €60 and €150, while crowns can range between €300 and €600. A dental implant, in case extraction is necessary, can exceed €1,000.
What happens if I do not treat a broken molar?
Leaving a fractured molar untreated can result in serious infections, loss of the affected tooth, and damage to surrounding teeth. Chronic pain and functional loss are additional risks.
Can a broken molar heal on its own?
No. Teeth do not have the ability to regenerate. Once a molar breaks, professional treatment is necessary to repair it or extract it if needed.