FRONT TOOTH FRACTURE DUE TO ACCIDENT - WHAT'S THE RIGHT TREATMENT APPROACH?

🦷 A traffic accident, a sports injury, or even a simple mishap during daily activities can result in a broken front tooth. This not only affects your appearance but may also cause reluctance in communication, unnatural speech, impaired chewing function, and potentially lead to serious dental complications. 

But don’t worry — with proper and timely treatment, you can absolutely restore your confident smile and chewing function. 

👉 With insights from Dr. Bui Xuan Dat, Specialist Level I in Odonto-Stomatology at CarePlus International Clinics. 

1️⃣ A Broken Front Tooth – Not Something to Take Lightly 

The front teeth (incisors) play a crucial role — not only in biting and chewing but also in creating an attractive smile and confident communication. However, because they’re located at the front of the mouth, they are highly susceptible to trauma. Accidental breakage of front teeth is not uncommon. Here are some common scenarios that may cause it: 

🔹 Falling while riding a motorbike: Accidents during commuting can sometimes lead to fractured or broken front teeth. 

🔹 Sports injuries: Physical contact in sports like football, basketball, or martial arts can cause tooth fractures. 

🔹 Workplace accidents: Jobs in high-risk environments (construction sites, factories) may involve strong impacts that can break front teeth. 

2️⃣ The Consequences of Delaying Treatment 

A broken front tooth, whether it’s a small chip or a large fracture, directly affects facial aesthetics and speech. It can also cause functional and oral health issues. The extent of the consequences depends on the severity, location of the fracture, and how soon it’s treated. Here are some common complications: 

🔸 Speech difficulties: Especially with sounds like “s,” “th,” “f,” and “v,” which may result in unclear or lisped pronunciation. 

🔸 Impaired chewing function: Uneven chewing force can lead to imbalanced bite patterns over time, potentially affecting the jaw joint and occlusion. 

🔸 Gum issues: Cracks and fractures allow bacteria to enter, causing pulpitis, gingivitis, or even dental abscesses. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to tooth loss and damage to adjacent teeth. 

🔸 Pulp damage: Severe fractures may expose the dental pulp. Without timely care, this can result in pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and bone loss in the tooth socket. 

3️⃣ Treatment Options – What Are Your Choices? 

Depending on the extent of the fracture and the condition of the tooth and jawbone, treatment options may include: 

✅ Cosmetic dental fillings: Ideal for minor fractures when the tooth root remains intact. This method helps prevent further damage, protects the remaining tooth structure from bacteria, and supports long-term oral health. 

✅ Dental crown: Suitable for larger fractures when the tooth root is still viable. A crown restores both aesthetics and strength. Thanks to modern dental technology, today’s porcelain crowns are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. 

✅ Dental implant: If the tooth is completely lost, an implant replaces both the root and crown. It restores full chewing function and provides a natural appearance with long-lasting durability. 

✅ Dental bridge: If implants aren’t an option, a dental bridge can be a reasonable alternative to restore chewing function. 

👉 Most importantly, seek dental consultation and imaging as soon as possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. 

🔔 Don’t let a broken front tooth affect your quality of life. Prompt dental care not only helps prevent further complications but also increases the chances of fully restoring your smile and chewing function. 

A timely decision today can protect your healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact CarePlus, where our experienced and dedicated dental specialists are ready to provide thorough consultation and treatment. 

👉 Please call our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group