What If a Tooth Breaks? A Complete Summary of Tooth Fracture Treatment Methods and Their Pros and Cons

In daily life, you may find yourself facing a situation where a tooth breaks. This can happen while chewing hard food, after an unexpected impact, or when an already weakened tooth breaks. A tooth fracture can happen to anyone, but many people tend to think, "It’s only a small chip, so it should be fine," and let it go without much concern. However, leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to bigger problems over time, so today we will take a detailed look at why tooth fractures should not be left alone, what treatment methods are available depending on the extent of the damage, and the pros and cons of each method.

Tooth Fractures: Problems That Can Occur If Left Untreated

If a tooth is broken, it is important not to leave it untreated and to get care quickly. Even a small crack can worsen over time, and if it is left without proper treatment, it can lead to greater damage or various oral health problems. So what risks come with leaving a broken tooth as it is?

• It can lead to more serious damage

A small crack can gradually grow, causing the tooth to break further or split. In severe cases, the nerve may also be damaged, making root canal treatment necessary.

• Increased risk of cavities and gum inflammation

Food particles and bacteria can easily enter through the broken gap, increasing the risk of cavities. If bacteria infect the gums as well, inflammation may occur and develop into periodontal disease.

• Sensitivity and pain

When a tooth breaks and the nerve is exposed, sensitivity becomes stronger when eating cold or hot food. In severe cases, persistent pain may also occur.

• Reduced chewing function

Chewing with a damaged tooth is not only uncomfortable, but it can also place extra strain on the opposite teeth and damage other teeth as well.

• Appearance concerns and reduced confidence

If a front tooth breaks, it can stand out when smiling or speaking and become an aesthetic concern. This may also lead to a loss of confidence in social interactions.

Treatment Methods and Their Pros and Cons According to the Extent of Tooth Fracture Damage

From cases where a tooth has only a slight crack to cases where it is broken deeply enough to damage the nerve, there are various treatment methods.

Resin: Suitable for small cracks or chips

• Applicable cases:

• When there is a small crack or slight chip on the tooth surface

• When the edge of a front tooth is slightly chipped

• When repairing a damaged area after cavity treatment

• Advantages:

• Short procedure time and relatively low cost

• Similar in color to natural teeth, so it looks natural

• Requires minimal tooth reduction, making it a relatively conservative treatment

• Disadvantages:

• Less durable, so it may wear down or discolor over time

• May chip or come off under strong force

• Not suitable when a large area of the tooth is broken

Inlay and onlay: For large cavities or damage to the chewing surface

• Applicable cases:

• When the chewing surface of a tooth (molar) is broken

• When there is significant damage after cavity treatment

• Advantages:

• Less tooth reduction than a crown (full prosthesis), allowing more of the natural tooth to be preserved

• Various materials such as ceramic and gold are available

• Strong and long-lasting

• Disadvantages:

• More expensive than resin and requires fabrication time

• Some tooth reduction is necessary

• May fracture if subjected to a strong impact

Crown: When a large part of the tooth is broken

• Applicable cases:

• When more than half of the tooth is broken

• When the tooth needs protection after root canal treatment

• When a molar that bears strong chewing force is damaged

• Advantages:

• High strength and long service life

• Protects the tooth after root canal treatment

• Various materials are available (gold, zirconia, PFM, etc.)

• Disadvantages:

• A large amount of tooth structure must be removed to make room for the crown

• Fabrication time is required

• If the crown does not adhere properly, bacteria can enter between the crown and the tooth, leading to secondary cavities

As shown above, there are various treatment methods depending on the extent of tooth fracture damage, and each has its own pros and cons. Because of this, it should be carefully chosen by comprehensively considering the condition, location, and function of the tooth. So, is there a way to restore the tooth more healthily while also compensating for these drawbacks?

A Tooth Restoration Solution Effective for Tooth Fractures: Minishe

The tooth restoration solution Minishe compensates for the shortcomings of existing treatments while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. It uses Minishe blocks, which have strength similar to natural teeth, to precisely restore damaged teeth without unnecessary tooth reduction.

• Preserves natural teeth: Unlike crowns, there is no need to significantly shave down the tooth. Only the damaged area is precisely restored, preserving as much of the tooth structure as possible.

• Balance of strength and flexibility: Materials that are too hard can wear down the opposing teeth or risk breaking. The tooth restoration solution Minishe has strength similar to natural teeth, helping maintain dental health for a long time.

• Aesthetics and function: It reproduces the original color and translucency of the tooth, allowing for a natural result and comfortable use like the original tooth.

• Precision custom fabrication: Using digital scanning and precision processing technology, it is made to fit the tooth exactly, providing a comfortable fit without a foreign-body sensation.

• Long-term stability: It is more durable than existing resin and inlay treatments, and with proper care, healthy teeth can be maintained for a long time.

• Can also be applied to molars: It can be used not only for front teeth but also for molars, which bear strong chewing force, allowing restoration that considers both function and durability.

If You Have a Tooth Fracture, Solve It with the Tooth Restoration Solution Minishe!

As mentioned earlier, a tooth fracture is not just a cosmetic issue. If you do not receive appropriate treatment, it can lead to more serious damage. Don’t delay—visit Minish Dental Hospital and restore your natural teeth healthily with the tooth restoration solution Minishe!

​