Can a Broken Tooth Be Fixed? Treatment Options & At-Home Care
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Key Facts
- Most broken teeth can be saved with quick dental treatment.
- Home care provides only temporary relief — not a permanent fix.
- Dental crowns and bonding are common solutions depending on the severity.
- A tooth broken in half may still be restored if treated quickly.
- Prevention through good habits and protective gear is key.
A broken tooth can be alarming whether it happens from biting something hard, a sports injury, or an accident. The good news is, most broken teeth can be saved if treated quickly. In this guide, we’ll cover what you can do at home for immediate relief, professional dental treatments that restore your tooth, and when a broken tooth can or cannot be fixed.
Can a broken tooth be fixed?
Yes, in most cases a broken tooth can be repaired. The treatment depends on:
- The extent of damage (small chip vs. half the tooth broken).
- Whether the nerve or pulp is exposed.
- How soon you visit a dentist.
The sooner you seek help, the higher the chances of saving your natural tooth.
How to Fix a Broken Tooth at Home? (Temporary Relief)
At-home care won’t permanently fix your tooth, but it can protect you until you see a dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to avoid cuts on your tongue or cheek.
- Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
- Avoid chewing on the broken side and stick to soft foods.
Important: These are only temporary fixes. A dentist’s treatment is essential to prevent infection and restore your tooth’s function.
Professional Treatments for a Broken Tooth
Dentists have several ways to restore a broken tooth, depending on the severity:
- Dental Bonding/Fillings – Best for minor chips; quick and cost-effective.
- Dental Veneers – Thin porcelain shells that cover front teeth for cosmetic restoration.
- Dental Crown – A protective cap used when a large portion of the tooth is missing.
- Root Canal & Crown – If the pulp/nerve is exposed, the root canal removes infection, and a crown restores strength.
- Dental Implants/Bridge – If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction followed by an implant or bridge is the best option.
Can a tooth broken in half be fixed?
It depends:
- If the break is above the gum line and the root is healthy, root canal treatment plus a crown can often save it.
- If the break extends below the gum line or damages the root, extraction may be required. In such cases, implants or bridges provide long-term solutions.
Delaying a proper treatment increases the risk of infection, gum disease, or complete tooth loss.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Broken Teeth
While accidents can’t always be avoided, these tips reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups for early detection of weak or decayed teeth.
Conclusion
A broken tooth may feel like an emergency and in many cases, it is. While home remedies offer short-term relief, professional dental treatment is the only way to properly restore strength, function, and aesthetics.
If you have a broken tooth, don’t wait. Book an appointment with us or your dentist as soon as possible to explore the best treatment option for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Teeth cannot regenerate like bones. Only a dentist can restore a broken tooth.
With modern techniques and anesthesia, treatments are usually painless.
Save the broken piece (if possible), rinse your mouth, and visit a dentist immediately.
Even minor chips can worsen or cause decay over time. It’s better to get it checked.
Ideally, within 24–48 hours to prevent infection and improve the chances of saving the tooth.
