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People often think a broken tooth is just a cosmetic issue, but even a tiny crack can affect the way you eat or cause long-term damage if left untreated. The problem of broken teeth can have many causes, e.g., trauma, hard food, or caries.
Turkey is becoming a preferred country for local and foreign patients seeking treatment for broken teeth due to the rapid advancement of knowledge and technology.
What is a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth is a crack, fracture or breakage of the tooth enamel or deeper layers. This type of tooth damage can affect your ability to chew comfortably and can lead to pain, sensitivity or even infection over time. Think of it like a crack in a wall; the surface might look fine, but the damage can run deep. So, early diagnosis and treatment ensure that the tooth remains healthy.
Types of Broken Teeth
Enamel Cracks: Cracks in the enamel often go unnoticed but can become sensitive over time. Small lines in the enamel do not usually cause pain.
Broken tooth tip: Part of the tooth may be broken off, but the root is not damaged.
Tooth Cracks in the tooth: Deep cracks affecting the enamel and dentin can develop and lead to infection if left untreated.
Complete Tooth Fracture: If a large part of the tooth is missing, solutions such as crowns or implants may be required.
Root Fractures: Fractures that extend to the root of the tooth can sometimes require root canal treatment or extraction.
What are the Symptoms of a Broken Tooth?
Not every broken cracked tooth causes immediate pain, but when it does, the signs are hard to ignore. Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Sudden pain or discomfort when chewing
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
Irritation of the tongue or gums at the fracture site
Change in tooth color (darkening of the fractured area)
Swelling or signs of inflammation in the jaw and gums
You must consult a dentist immediately if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
What Causes Broken Teeth?
A broken cracked tooth can occur for different reasons. Here are a few common causes:
Consumption of hard foods: Biting into foods such as walnuts, ice, or hard candy can damage teeth without realizing it.
Teeth clenching or grinding: This condition, known as bruxism, can gradually wear them down, eventually leading to cracks.
Bumps or trauma: Sports accidents, falls, or blows to the jaw area can lead to tooth fractures.
Decay: Teeth with severe decay become weak and brittle over time.
Weakening of the tooth with old fillings: Large fillings can disrupt the tooth's natural structure, making it more fragile.
How are Broken Teeth Diagnosed?
Sometimes, patients don't even notice a crack until they feel a sudden jolt while eating. Since not all tooth fractures are visible to the naked eye, dentists often rely on several tools and tests to diagnose accurately.
Dentists use digital X-rays and panoramic scans to assess how deep the broken tooth fracture goes.
Light examination of the tooth reveals cracked or fractured areas.
A sensitivity test measures heat or cold sensitivity to determine the damage's extent.
Microscopic cracks are detected with magnifying lenses and special dental instruments.
Early detection makes saving and repairing the tooth possible without further treatment.
How are Broken Teeth Treated?
How a broken tooth is treated depends on the severity of the injury and it's location. Some of the most common methods include:
Fillings and Bonding: For minor fractures, the old shape of the tooth is restored with a composite filling or a bonding method.
Veneers: For large fractures, porcelain or zirconium veneers are preferred to strengthen the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment: A root canal treatment may be required if the fracture has reached the nerves of the tooth.
Tooth Extraction and Implant: If it cannot be saved, tooth extraction and replacement with an implant may be recommended.
Depending on the damage and its extent, your dentist will recommend the best treatment option.
Broken Tooth Treatment Prices in Istanbul
The cost of getting a broken tooth fixed can vary depending on several factors:
The extent of damage and health of the tooth
Filling or coating material to be used
Whether root canal treatment is required
Dentist's level of specialization
Getting a broken tooth repair in Istanbul is often much more affordable than in Europe or the U.S. Thanks to its quality treatment opportunities and affordable costs, Istanbul has become a favorite destination for patients coming from abroad for health purposes.
