{"id":2154,"date":"2025-11-13T16:05:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T16:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturadent.hu\/?p=2154"},"modified":"2026-06-26T09:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:43:15","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-tooth-breaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturadent.hu\/en\/mit-csinaljak-ha-letort-a-fogam\/","title":{"rendered":"What should I do if I've chipped or broken a tooth?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A fractured tooth is one of the most unpleasant dental problems, as it can happen at the most unexpected moments and to practically anyone. All it takes is a bad bite, some sort of trauma, or a weakened filling.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the injury affects the smile zone, most people immediately think of the aesthetic consequences, but a broken tooth is actually a much more serious condition, and it's advisable to seek professional dental help as soon as possible to avoid complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

In modern dentistry, it is now possible not only to restore the shape of a tooth, but its colour, form, and even its functionality can achieve an effect identical to the original. This is the basis of aesthetic dentistry.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can cause a tooth to break, what to do if the worst happens, and how can we prevent this condition? In this article, we will answer these questions, among many others!<\/span><\/p>\n

Broken tooth: Why do they break?<\/h2>\n

Chipped teeth are most often a result of an accident or a dental problem. A milk tooth or a permanent tooth can chip or break off due to an accident, whether it's from sports or due to a bite that is too strong.<\/p>\n

In other cases, due to minor external impact, the decayed tooth (being weaker) can also break off easily. The extent of the broken tooth can be minor or major. However, smaller surface chips can be just as harmful in the long term if left untreated as larger tooth fractures originating from damaged dentine.<\/p>\n

Whether a tooth is chipped or, in a more severe case, completely broken, a dentist is always needed to restore it. Do you have a chipped tooth? Then ask about our personalised options and book an appointment online at our clinic!<\/p>\n

The most common causes and risk factors for a broken tooth are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Tooth decay<\/h3>\n

Tooth decay can weaken the tooth's structure from within, so while the outer enamel remains at least partially intact, the dentin layer underneath thins, and a stronger bite can easily cause the tooth to fracture in this state.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plugging issues:<\/h3>\n

Fillings that are too old or too large can also contribute to fractures. This is because the tooth and the filling can weaken underneath, forming small gaps or cracks, which can lead to damage under high pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teeth grinding<\/h3>\n

Nocturnal teeth grinding affects a great many people, but only a few are aware of it. This bad habit is a subconscious process and places a huge extra burden on tooth enamel, which in the long term promotes the formation of fractures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orthodontic deficiencies:<\/h3>\n

If teeth are not in the correct position or a perfect bite does not form, the balance is disturbed and some teeth are subjected to greater force than necessary, increasing the chance of trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mechanical damage<\/h3>\n

Mechanical injuries are the most common cause of a broken tooth, which can be caused by sports, accidents, or even a bad bite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ageing<\/h3>\n

Ageing affects all parts of the body, including the teeth. Enamel problems are normal in older people, and the weakened structure makes fractures much more common, even with minimal force.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unhealthy eating habits<\/h3>\n

An acidic diet or eating too many sugary drinks and foods will have a bad effect on the condition of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic factors<\/h3>\n

Genetics also influences the thickness and strength of tooth enamel. If someone has inherited this or was born with an enamel development disorder, they will be much more prone to mechanical damage to their teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

What happens if a broken tooth is left untreated?<\/h2>\n

A chipped tooth will not only look bad aesthetically, but can also cause functional problems. In many cases they can affect chewing, causing adjacent teeth to shift or the opposite teeth to come out to make chewing easier.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the later you treat a chipped tooth, the more complicated, difficult and expensive it will be to restore. That's why as soon as your tooth is chipped due to any accident, injury, bad bite or tooth decay, contact our office immediately and we'll restore your tooth!<\/p>\n

What can the dentist do if the tooth is chipped?<\/h2>\n

How a dentist treats a broken tooth also depends on the extent of the break. If the pulp \u2013 that is, the dentine \u2013 is also damaged in the broken tooth, then root canal treatment<\/a> may also be necessary.<\/p>\n

In the event of a major tooth fracture with an inlay or onlay restoration<\/a> the missing part can be replaced. If the fracture is so extensive that even restorative treatment cannot help, it may be necessary to extract the remaining part of the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or with a dental bridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If any piece of your tooth breaks off, please contact the NaturaDent clinic immediately so we can assess the severity of the fracture and perform the necessary procedure as soon as possible for the health and aesthetic appearance of your teeth!<\/p>\n

What should I do with the chipped tooth until the dentist sees it?<\/h2>\n

In many cases, a broken tooth becomes sharp and can easily injure the tongue or the surface of the gum. Furthermore, the condition of a broken tooth can worsen if it is not treated by a dentist as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

However, until you get to the dentist, the following advice is recommended:<\/p>\n