In many cases — yes! Here’s what you need to know.
A broken tooth can feel like a dental emergency — and for many people, the first fear is: “Will I need to have it pulled?”
Good news: a broken tooth doesn’t always mean extraction. In fact, modern dentistry offers several ways to save and restore a damaged tooth, depending on the severity and location of the break.
Here’s how dentists assess broken teeth — and what treatment options are available to help you avoid tooth loss.
🧠 First, What Counts as a “Broken Tooth”?
A tooth can be broken in different ways:
- Small chip on the edge or corner
- Crack running vertically across the enamel
- Fracture affecting the tooth’s root or structure
- Split tooth, where the tooth is divided into sections
- Severe break, exposing the inner pulp (nerve and blood supply)
The treatment depends on how deep the damage goes — and how quickly you seek care.
👩⚕️ Can It Be Saved?
In many cases: yes. The sooner you visit the dentist after the break, the more likely it is that your tooth can be repaired and preserved.
Dentists look at:
- How much of the tooth structure is intact
- Whether the break affects the nerve or root
- If the surrounding bone and gums are healthy
- Your overall oral and medical health
Even if the tooth is badly damaged, extraction is usually the last resort.
🛠️ Treatment Options That Don’t Involve Extraction
Here are some of the most common ways to repair a broken tooth without removing it:
✅ 1. Dental Bonding (for small chips)
- Tooth-coloured resin is applied and shaped to fill in or rebuild the missing piece
- Great for front teeth or cosmetic repairs
- Usually done in one visit with no freezing needed
✅ 2. Dental Crown (for larger breaks)
- A custom-made cap covers and protects the tooth
- Restores strength and appearance
- Typically done over two visits, or same-day with digital crown technology
✅ 3. Porcelain Veneer (for minor fractures on front teeth)
- A thin shell is bonded to the front of the tooth
- Improves both look and function
- Ideal for cosmetic cases where the tooth structure is still strong
✅ 4. Root Canal + Crown (if the pulp is exposed)
- The inner tissue (pulp) is removed, and the space is cleaned and sealed
- A crown is placed on top to restore the tooth
- This treatment saves the natural tooth while eliminating infection and pain
✅ 5. Post and Core Build-Up (for severely damaged teeth)
- If most of the tooth is missing but the root is intact, a post is placed inside the root to support a crown
- Often used after a root canal to rebuild structure
🧨 When Extraction Might Be Necessary
In some cases, unfortunately, a broken tooth can’t be saved, such as:
- If the tooth is split below the gum line
- If there’s a vertical root fracture
- If there’s extensive bone loss due to infection or trauma
- If the remaining tooth structure can’t support a crown or filling
If extraction is necessary, your dentist will explain replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures — so you can still restore your smile and function.
🛡️ What to Do If You Break a Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean
- If swollen, apply a cold compress
- Save any broken pieces, if possible
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Call your dentist right away — don’t delay!
Even if there’s no pain, broken teeth are vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and further damage if not treated promptly.
Final Thoughts
Yes — a broken tooth can often be repaired without extraction. With the right treatment, your natural tooth can be saved, strengthened, and made to look and feel like new again.
Have a broken tooth or think you might need emergency dental care? Book an appointment with us today — our team will assess the damage, walk you through your options, and do everything we can to save your smile.