Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in the back of your mouth. They usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, they grow in straight and don’t cause problems. But often, they come in at the wrong angle or don’t have enough room. This can lead to issues—like a broken wisdom tooth.
If you think one of your wisdom teeth might be broken, it’s important to watch for warning signs. Leaving it untreated can lead to pain, infection, and more serious dental problems.
In this post, we’ll cover what causes a broken wisdom tooth, symptoms to look out for, how it’s treated, and how you can prevent one in the future.
What Can Cause a Broken Wisdom Tooth?
There are a few common reasons why a wisdom tooth may break. Some you can control, and others just happen with time.
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes. Since wisdom teeth are in the very back of your mouth, they’re harder to brush and floss. This allows food, plaque, and bacteria to build up. Over time, cavities form and weaken the tooth. If a cavity grows deep enough, it can cause the tooth to break.
Trauma to the jaw or mouth can also cause a break. This can happen during sports, car accidents, or even a fall. If a wisdom tooth is already weak from decay or is partially erupted, it’s more likely to crack or break from an impact.
Chewing on hard foods, like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, can damage a wisdom tooth—especially if it’s already worn down. Even sticky foods can make things worse by pulling on a weak or cracked tooth.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Wisdom Tooth
Sometimes, it’s obvious that something is wrong with a tooth. Other times, the signs are more subtle. If you have a broken wisdom tooth, you might notice:
- Pain in the back of your mouth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A sharp edge or piece of the tooth that feels rough to your tongue
- Swollen or sore gums near the broken tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- A dark or oddly shaped tooth
If the broken tooth becomes infected, the symptoms can get worse. You may experience a fever, swelling in your jaw or face, pus in your mouth, or pain that spreads to your ear or neck. These are signs that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Even if the pain is manageable or comes and goes, a broken wisdom tooth won’t heal on its own. A crack or break in the tooth gives bacteria a way in. That can lead to a painful infection in the tooth or gums, and in some cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Ignoring the problem can also lead to damage to the teeth next to your wisdom tooth. You could end up needing more dental work later, which usually costs more and takes longer to fix.
It’s better to deal with a broken wisdom tooth early before it leads to bigger problems.
Treatment Options for a Broken Wisdom Tooth
The right treatment depends on how bad the break is and whether the tooth can be saved. Your dentist will likely take an X-ray to see what’s going on below the surface. After the exam, they’ll recommend the best option for your situation.
If the damage is small and the tooth is still healthy, your dentist might fix it with a filling or dental crown. These options work well if the crack hasn’t reached the inner part of the tooth.
If the inside of the tooth—the pulp—is infected or damaged, your dentist might suggest a root canal. This involves removing the damaged tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. A crown may be placed afterward to protect the tooth.
In many cases, especially if the tooth is badly damaged, impacted, or difficult to reach, extraction is the best option. This means the dentist will remove the entire tooth. Wisdom tooth extractions are very common and are often the safest choice to prevent future problems.
Recovery and Aftercare
After treatment, how long it takes to feel better depends on what was done. If you had a simple filling or crown, you may be back to normal quickly. If you had a root canal or extraction, healing will take a bit longer.
To help your mouth heal, follow your dentist’s instructions. Common aftercare tips include:
- Take pain relievers as recommended
- Apply a cold pack to your cheek to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle near the area
- Don’t smoke or drink from a straw while you’re healing
Let your dentist know if you experience unusual pain, swelling, or any signs of infection after treatment.
How to Prevent a Broken Wisdom Tooth
While not all broken wisdom teeth can be prevented, there are some things you can do to lower your risk.
Brush and floss every day, and make sure to reach all the way to the back of your mouth. It helps to use a toothbrush with a small head or an electric brush to reach your wisdom teeth.
Regular dental checkups are important, too. Your dentist can look for early signs of damage and help you decide if your wisdom teeth should be removed before they cause problems.
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or other things that can chip or break teeth. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can also help protect your teeth.
If your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways or don’t have enough room, your dentist may recommend removing them early—even if they haven’t broken yet. This can prevent future issues like pain, infection, or crowding.
When to See a Dentist
If you think your wisdom tooth might be broken, or if you’re feeling pain in the back of your mouth, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental appointment. Even if the pain seems minor, a dentist can check the tooth and make sure nothing more serious is going on.
Don’t wait until the pain gets worse. Early treatment can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Talk to a Dentist in Littleton, CO
A broken wisdom tooth can be painful and lead to serious dental issues if it’s not treated. Whether it’s a small chip or a deep crack, it’s best to have it checked out by a dentist. If the tooth needs to be fixed or removed, we’ll guide you through the next steps and make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
Call Suncreek Dental Group at (303) 933-2522 to schedule your appointment. We’re here to help you feel better and get your smile back on track.
Category: General