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

Smile Up Close Pointing at Broken Molar

If you have a broken molar, you should first seek emergency dental care immediately by calling your nearest dentist! Broken molars have the potential to cause severe pain, repeat dental fractures, and create a gap in your smile that’ll last a lifetime. If you’re wondering how to help protect your tooth in the meantime, we’ll provide the most up-to-date information on the effects of broken molars, what causes them, and what your dentist will do to treat it. 

What Causes Broken Molars Broken Off at The Gumline? 

When you have a broken molar, it can be quite a shock! But as long as you are calm and collected, you can be confident that your dentist will be there for you and help you recover and repair your broken tooth with ease. Molars can suffer from even the tiniest cracks to the most dramatic blows, and even if the break appears invisible, it’s still a broken tooth. Getting treatment for your broken molar helps reduce the risk of infection to the pulp, helps correct your smile, and helps you be pain-free! There are many reasons that molars can be broken, including: 

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

If you’re wondering if you have a broken molar, then these are the symptoms you should look out for: 

  • Feel areas of your molar that are missing or broken
  • The broken tooth will appear pink or yellow. If the tooth appears black or dark brown, it may indicate tooth decay.
  • Sharp, jagged edges along the gum line
  • Signs of bleeding from broken blood vessels.
  • Feeling pain from exposed nerve roots in general or when eating cold or sweet foods or beverages.

Because of these symptoms, broken molars can be especially problematic, and most of all, if left untreated, it can lead to various complications, including: 

  • Tooth Decay, which can cause further damage to the tooth, blood vessels, and underlying bone
  • Dental Abscesses, or pockets of pus and inflammation that can be especially painful
  • Nerve Damage throughout the jawline can impact your ability to eat and speak. 
  • Gum or Tooth Infection, which can spread to the jawline 

However, if you get help from your dentist, they’ll be able to act quickly and determine the best option for your broken molar. Some treatment options your dentist may provide you with include:

  • Tooth Reattachment: During this treatment, your broken molar can be reattached by bonding it with your current tooth structure. 
  • Root Canals: If an infection has been set in, then a root canal treatment will remove the inner pulp and leave behind a cleaned-out tooth that can be covered with a crown. 
  • Replacement Crown: In cases where the original tooth cannot be replaced, then a replacement crown will be provided. 
  • Tooth Extraction and Replacement: If the remaining tooth cannot be repaired by other means, the rest of the tooth must be surgically removed and replaced with an implant. 

Visit Summit Dental Group For Quality Dental Care!

Most of all, make sure to visit your local dentist, as they’ll be able to provide you with the solutions you need for your broken molar. In the meantime, visit Summit Dental Group if you require dental care in Lees Summit, MO, by calling (816) 524-3535 to speak with Dr. Brian Schowengerdt for more information.