What Happens if You Leave a Broken Tooth?
When a tooth breaks, the extent of the damage determines how serious it is. Sometimes it’s a minor surface fracture that affects only the enamel. In more serious cases, the break reaches into the dentin (the hard, mineral part of the tooth just below the enamel) or even the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are located.
Once the inner structure is exposed, sensitivity and pain are common. You may feel sharp discomfort when eating or drinking, especially with hot or cold temperatures. This pain is a warning sign that bacteria and decay can soon follow if treatment is delayed.
Over Time
Teeth can’t heal themselves in the way bones do. Once the structure is compromised, it remains vulnerable to further damage. The crack or break becomes a gateway for bacteria to enter, eventually leading to decay or infection in the pulp.
Without treatment, the infection can spread into surrounding tissue, causing swelling, abscesses, and even bone loss. What starts as a small cosmetic issue can escalate into a much more serious, and potentially expensive, problem.
In some cases, a broken tooth may also shift the balance of your bite. When part of a tooth is missing, it can change how your upper and lower teeth meet, putting stress on other areas of your mouth and jaw. Over time, this imbalance can cause uneven wear, jaw pain, or even headaches.
The Risk of Infection
An untreated broken tooth can quickly turn into an infection. Once bacteria reach the pulp chamber, they can cause inflammation and a buildup of pus known as a dental abscess. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling in the jaw or face, and sometimes a fever.
In rare but serious cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, creating a medical emergency.
Treatment Options
Dentists have several ways to repair a broken tooth, depending on how deep the damage goes. For small chips, cosmetic bonding or a dental veneer might be enough. Moderate breaks that expose dentin usually require a crown, which restores both function and appearance. If the pulp is infected, a root canal is often necessary before placing the crown. In cases where the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be the safest option, followed by a dental implant or bridge.
Each treatment option has one goal: to stop the problem before it spreads and restore the tooth’s integrity. Your dentist will evaluate how much structure remains and choose a procedure that offers lasting stability.
Prevention and Aftercare
While accidents happen, many broken teeth result from preventable causes such as grinding, biting hard foods, or skipping regular dental visits. Wearing a mouthguard at night, avoiding chewing ice or hard candy, and scheduling twice-yearly cleanings can go a long way toward protecting your teeth. After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping follow-up appointments helps ensure your restoration stays strong.
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can turn a simple dental fix into a long-term health problem. Even if the pain subsides temporarily, the damage beneath the surface continues. Seeing a dentist right away can prevent infection, preserve your natural tooth, and save you from more invasive procedures later on.