What Should I Do If My Molar Broke Off at the Gum Line?

If you have a broken molar, the first thing you should do is seek out emergency dental care. Broken molars can be dangerous for your oral health, as they can easily lead to repeated fractures, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Broken molars can cause problems with your smile that will last for life if not treated. If you want to know more about how to care for your smile, then we’re here to provide information about how broken molars affect your smile, how your dentists can treat it, and what symptoms to look out for when faced with this issue. 

What Happens When You Have Broken Molars Along the Gum Line? 

If you have a broken molar, it can be quite terrifying at first! But the first thing you should do if you have a broken molar is to stay calm and contact your local dentist. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the treatments you need to help you repair and recover your broken tooth easily. But even if the break isn’t noticeable, it’s essential to remember that even the tiniest cracks can cause problems down the line, as it’s still a broken tooth vulnerable to bacteria and decay. By getting treatment for your broken molar, it can help reduce the risk of pulp infections and help you be pain-free! 

So, how do broken molars occur? There are many reasons that molars can become broken, including: 

  • Biting Hard Objects
  • Untreated Cavities
  • Reoccuring Cavities
  • Dry Mouth
  • Facial trauma
  • Weak fillings
  • Teeth Losing Enamel Due To Age
  • Chronic teeth grinding

If you believe that you may have a broken molar at the gum line, then you should pay attention to these symptoms, as they can be an indicator of a dental emergency and that your tooth requires urgent treatment:

  • Experiencing pain from exposed nerve roots, especially when eating cold or sweet foods or beverages.
  • Areas of your molar missing or broken
  • The tooth appears pink or yellow due to the break. If it appears black or dark brown, it’s a telltale sign of tooth decay.
  • Feeling jagged, sharp edges along the gum line
  • Feel the area bleed over time from broken blood vessels.

When these symptoms occur, you can act quickly by contacting your local dentist. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the best treatments possible for your affected tooth. Some of these options may include: 

  • Tooth Reattachment: If your broken molar can be saved, then your dentist will attempt to reattach it by bonding it with your current tooth structure.
  • Root Canals: If your dentist notices signs of an infection, then they will perform a root canal treatment to remove the inner pulp and clean out the tooth and cover it with a crown.
  • Replacement Crown: If the original tooth cannot be saved, then your dentist may clean out the tooth and provide a replacement crown instead. 
  • Tooth Extraction and Replacement: If the remaining tooth cannot be repaired by other means mentioned above, then your dentist may recommend removing it and replaced with an implant. 

Visit Southhill Comprehensive Dentistry Today For Broken Tooth Repair Options

If you’re looking for broken tooth care, then our team at Southhill Comprehensive Dentistry can provide dental care in Spokane, WA. To learn more, call us at (509) 747-8779 to speak with Dr. Ulysses Vargas for more information. 

Have a Question?

Or Call 509.747.8779