Broken Tooth Repair

Broken teeth should be checked quickly, even when pain seems mild. Cracks can expose inner layers, raising the risk of infection or further damage. Treatment for a broken tooth will depend on severity and may include dental bonding, a filling, or a crown. Whatever procedure is used, rest assured that our Bethesda, MD, emergency pediatric dentist will give your child’s repaired tooth a natural look and ensure it blends in with the rest of their smile.

Learn more about broken tooth repair for kids below.

What Causes Broken Teeth?

Children’s teeth can break for a variety of reasons, often during everyday activities. Some breaks are obvious right away, while others may not cause pain until later. Understanding the common causes can help parents take steps to reduce the risk and protect their child’s smile.

Common causes of broken teeth in kids include:

• Falls or accidents while playing, running, or riding bikes
• Sports injuries, especially during contact sports
• Biting down on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
• Chewing on non-food items such as pencils or toys
• Untreated tooth decay that weakens the tooth structure
• Teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep

Parents can help prevent broken teeth by encouraging kids to avoid chewing hard objects, providing healthy snacks, and making sure they wear a sports mouth guard while playing competitively. If your child grinds their teeth at night, our local pediatric dentist may recommend they wear a custom night guard to avoid unnecessary damage.

Will My Child Need to Have a Broken Tooth Pulled?

The idea of a tooth being pulled can be concerning for parents, but extraction is not always needed for a broken tooth. Dr. Shin will carefully evaluate the extent of the damage using a visual exam and if needed, digital imaging. If the tooth is severely broken, unstable, or affected by a serious infection, extraction may be the safest option to protect your child’s overall oral health.

In many cases, however, repairing broken teeth is possible. Minor chips or cracks are often treated with the dental bonding procedure or tooth-colored fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and function. If a larger portion of the tooth is damaged, a pediatric dental crown may be used to cover and shield the remaining structure. These treatments are designed to relieve pain, restore chewing ability, and help the tooth continue to function normally.