Tooth Trauma – Uncomplicated Crown Fracture – What Now?

Tooth trauma can happen at any time.  It could happen during a sports game, a car accident or as a result of something as simple and unexpected as a fall.  The more information you have about correctly handling these situations the better.  This knowledge could very well mean the difference between life and death for the tooth.  The goal in treating a tooth trauma case is always to maintain or regain pulpal vitality in the affected tooth/teeth.  In the previous tooth trauma entry we covered: avulsion (when a tooth is out of the socket).  In this entry we will investigate a different kind of tooth trauma: an uncomplicated crown fracture.  In this tooth fracture, the damage is limited to the crown of the tooth.  There will be dentin exposed, but no pulp exposure.

In the instance of an uncomplicated crown fracture the first step an individual should try to accomplish is finding the piece of broken tooth.  If a saline solution or distilled water is readily available, place the broken piece of tooth in this solution.  Once you reach the dental professional, the rehydrated piece of tooth will be easier to bond, as the hydration increases its bonding strength.

What to expect during your visit, following an uncomplicated crown fracture:

  • X-Rays will be taken(1)Tooth Trauma Uncomplicated
  • Mouth will be checked for soft tissue lacerations and the presence of any other foreign bodies
  • A sensitivity analysis will be performed
  • The doctor or staff member will collect the tooth segment from you if you were able to find and preserve it
  • We will assess the prognosis for the tooth

If the tooth is still vital, the process of reattaching the segment of tooth and the subsequent bonding will occur.  Filling the dentin wound and applying calcium hydroxide to the vicinity of the pulp is the second to last step.  Finally, smoothing and fluoridating small enamel defects.

Stay tuned in the upcoming months for the conclusion of the “What Now?” blog series!