Proper Care for a Split Tooth

Although teeth are amazingly strong, they can still fracture and break. A split tooth is a specific type of fracture in which a tooth has broken vertically into two pieces. It requires professional medical attention. There are some important things you can do at home, though, if you are not able to see your dentist immediately.

Causes

• There are several reasons why teeth may split, but the most frequent cause is a sudden trauma. Biting down at just the right angle on something hard or hitting it accidentally on a hard surface can cause a tooth to split. Less severe traumas can cause a split in a tooth weakened by a cavity.

The Nature of Split Teeth

• If a tooth has split, then it has separated into two vertical parts. Front teeth have only one root, so if one splits it will have to be removed and replaced. Molars in the back of your mouth, however, have multiple roots. If a molar splits, it may be possible to keep the root intact and simply add a crown to replace the missing part.

  In either case, treatment will require root canal work and also minor surgery to remove unused nerves.

Proper Care

• A dentist is required for treatment of a split tooth and also to determine if the split was a result of tooth decay or simply an accident. He or she will also need to check the health of the tooth's nerve. Nerves in adults will usually have to be removed, but nerves in children can often be saved if treated immediately.

  If your tooth splits, it is important to save the pieces. Sometimes, as a temporary treatment, your dentist will cement the pieces back together.

  Use warm water with a pinch of salt to rinse out your mouth, and also make sure to clean off the split pieces.

  Use gauze on the area if there is any bleeding.

  In order to reduce swelling and relieve pain, make a cold compress and apply it to your face directly on the area over the split tooth.

  If you are in pain, take a pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

  If it will be several days or more before you can see your dentist, go to your local drugstore and purchase some dental cement. Then cover the wound with it.