A broken or cracked tooth is a common dental problem that can be caused by anything from an accident to biting into something hard. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are several treatment options available. It is important to see a dentist quickly to assess the damage and avoid complications.
Causes of a broken tooth
There are several common causes of a tooth breaking or cracking:
- Accident or fall: A blow to the face or a fall can cause one or more teeth to break.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Long-term teeth grinding wears down the teeth and can over time lead to cracks and fractures.
- Large fillings: Teeth with large fillings are weakened and more susceptible to breaking.
- Hard food: Biting into hard objects such as ice cubes, popcorn kernels or hard candy can cause a tooth to break.
Symptoms of a broken tooth
Symptoms depend on how severe the fracture is:
- Visible fracture or missing piece of tooth
- Sharp edge that irritates the tongue or cheek
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling in the gums around the affected tooth
Treatment of a broken tooth
Treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the dental nerve is affected:
- Smoothing sharp edges: For small chips or fragments, the dentist can simply smooth out the sharp edge.
- Filling: If the fracture is moderate, the tooth can be repaired with a composite filling matched to the colour of the tooth.
- Crown: For larger fractures where a significant part of the tooth is missing, a dental crown (cap) may be necessary to protect and rebuild the tooth.
- Root canal: If the fracture has exposed or damaged the dental nerve, a root canal must be performed before the tooth can be restored.
- Tooth extraction: In the most severe cases, where the tooth is broken below the gum line or the root is damaged, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
Broken front tooth
A broken front tooth is particularly visible and can affect both appearance and self-confidence. Fortunately, there are excellent treatment options available. Small chips can be repaired with a composite filling matched to the tooth colour, and the result is very natural-looking. For more extensive damage, a porcelain crown can provide a perfect aesthetic result. The dentist will determine the best solution based on the extent of the damage.
Prices for treatment of a broken tooth
The price for treating a broken tooth depends on the type of treatment:
- Filling: 1,500 - 2,300 NOK depending on size and location
- Crown: approx. 6,000 NOK
See our complete price list for more information.
Available appointments
Choose a time that suits you
Helfo and insurance
In some cases, you may have part of the treatment covered. If the tooth was broken as a result of an accident, the dental treatment may be covered by Helfo (the Norwegian Health Economics Administration) or your private insurance. Contact us for help in clarifying whether you are eligible for support, and we will assist you with the documentation.
Risk of infection
A broken tooth that is not treated can develop an infection over time. When the inner structures of the tooth are exposed, bacteria can penetrate and cause inflammation, dental abscess or nerve damage. The sooner you see a dentist, the simpler and cheaper the treatment will be, and the risk of complications is significantly reduced.