An infected tooth broken at gum line is more than a cosmetic issue. When the fracture reveals the deeper layers of the tooth, it may result in an infection developing at the gum line, causing pain, swelling, and even long-term oral health problems if left untreated.
Understanding what causes such damage, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get prompt treatment is important for supporting oral health and lowering the chance of further complications.
How Does a Tooth Break at the Gum Line?
A broken tooth near or below the gum line can happen for several reasons, including:
- Untreated cavities that weaken the tooth’s structure over time.
- Excessive pressure from grinding or biting hard foods.
- Accidental trauma or injury to the face or jaw.
- Tooth decay that spreads deeply into the root.
- Previous root canal treatment that has left the remaining tooth structure fragile.
When the break extends below the surface of the gum, the fractured tooth root can make treatment more complex. The affected area becomes difficult to clean, increasing the risk of a bacterial infection that could harm the surrounding teeth and gums.
Signs of a Tooth That’s Infected and Broken at the Gum Line
Identifying the early symptoms of an infected tooth can help stop further damage and lessen the likelihood of more serious dental issues developing later. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Constant or throbbing tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
- Swelling of the gums or face
- An unpleasant taste or odour in the mouth
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- Visible sharp edges or pieces of the broken tooth
- Redness or bleeding near the gum line
See a dentist or seek emergency dental care immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Untreated, an infected tooth broken at the gum line can lead to infection in the jaw or bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious health problems.
Why Immediate Dental Care Is Crucial
When a tooth breaks close to the gum line and becomes infected, bacteria can spread to the surrounding soft tissues, bone, and nearby teeth. Early and immediate dental attention is critical to stop the infection before it causes tooth loss or other dental complications.
Your dentist will usually start by checking the affected tooth and taking an X-ray to evaluate how much of the tooth remains. This helps the dentist decide whether the tooth can be restored with treatment or if tooth extraction is required.
Delaying care might seem harmless at first, especially if the pain fades, but an infected tooth will not heal on its own. Without prompt treatment, you risk further complications, including abscess formation and bone damage.
What to Do Before Seeing a Dentist
If you suspect an infected tooth is broken at the gum line, you can manage discomfort and reduce infection risk with these simple steps before your appointment:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean and soothe the gums.
- Avoid sweet foods and drinks that can irritate the exposed nerve.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth to stop it from worsening.
- Take pharmacy-grade pain medication if needed, following label instructions.
These steps don’t replace professional help, but can make you more comfortable while waiting for immediate dental care.
Treatment Options for a Tooth Broken at the Gum Line
The right treatment plan depends on how severe the damage is and whether the infection has reached the root or bone. Here are the most common treatment options your dentist may suggest:
Dental Bonding or Filling
If the break is minor and hasn’t exposed the pulp, dental bonding can rebuild the tooth’s structure. This procedure uses a tooth-coloured resin to rebuild the tooth’s shape and shield it from future issues.
Root Canal Therapy
If bacteria have entered the pulp, root canal treatment may be required. During this treatment, your dentist removes the infected tissue, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The remaining tooth structure is then restored using a dental crown to strengthen it and prevent future tooth fracture.
Dental Crown
When a large part of the tooth is missing, but the root is still strong, a dental crown can safeguard the tooth and restore its normal function. This is a common solution for a broken molar or a tooth weakened by tooth decay or previous fillings.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
If the broken root or fractured tooth root makes saving the tooth impossible, tooth extraction may be the appropriate choice. Once removed, replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge can restore appearance and prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Complex Cases
In more severe situations involving multiple breaks or advanced infection, your dentist will create a comprehensive dental care plan. This may involve several treatments over time to restore both the function and appearance of your natural tooth while maintaining optimal oral health.
How Dentists Determine the Right Treatment
To plan the most effective care, the dentist determines the location and depth of the fracture using X-rays and a detailed examination. Factors considered include:
- The position of the break along the gum line
- The health of the remaining tooth structure
- The risk of bacterial infection or spread
- The strength of the surrounding teeth and gums
This evaluation helps make sure your treatment plan is designed around your specific needs, promoting proper healing and preventing avoidable dental issues.
How to Prevent Tooth Breaks and Infections
Prevention is always better than treatment. You can protect your teeth and gums and lower your risk of an infected tooth breaking at the gum line with these simple habits:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing.
- Book regular dental check-ups to catch tooth decay or cracks early.
- Avoid biting hard items such as ice or pens.
- Limit sweet foods and acidic drinks that can weaken enamel.
- Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or take part in contact sports.
- Address cavities or early gum disease quickly to prevent deeper tooth fractures.
These steps maintain healthy teeth and reduce your chances of experiencing dental emergencies that require immediate dental care.
Potential Complications if Left Untreated
An infected tooth that’s broken at the gum line and left untreated can lead to a series of health problems beyond the mouth. These may include:
- Spread of infection to nearby tissues and bones
- Pain radiating to the jaw or ear
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Formation of a dental abscess
- Permanent tooth loss
Neglecting an affected tooth can also increase the risk of gum disease, which further weakens the teeth and gums and may result in additional dental health problems.
Recovery and Aftercare
After treatment, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing. Depending on the procedure, you may need to:
- Avoid chewing on the treated area for a few days
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent reinfection
- Rinse with salt water to reduce inflammation
- Attend follow-up visits to monitor recovery
If a dental implant or dental crown was placed, follow your dentist’s care recommendations to keep the restoration stable and maintain long-term results.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Attention
Any broken tooth or visible tooth fracture should be checked by a dentist. If you notice swelling, pus, or growing tooth pain, visit a dentist as soon as possible. These signs may indicate a spreading infection that requires urgent care.
If you experience bleeding, severe pain, or damage extending to the gum line, don’t wait. Get emergency dental care to avoid additional problems and safeguard your oral health.
The Bottom Line
An infected tooth that has broken at the gum line is a serious issue that demands immediate dental attention. Prompt action can preserve your natural tooth, prevent more harm, and support your long-term dental health.
If you suspect an infection or notice pain around a broken tooth, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. With prompt treatment and comprehensive dental care, you can restore comfort, function, and maintain good oral health for years to come.
If you’re dealing with a broken or painful tooth and want to understand your treatment options, book a consultation with us at Definitive Dental or call (02) 6105 9833.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Cherney, K. (2018). ‘Root Canal’. Healthline, 25 May. San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/root-canal
WebMD Editorial Contributors (2024). ‘Dental Crowns’. WebMD, 15 October. New York, NY: WebMD LLC. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
Mayo Clinic Staff (2023). ‘Periodontitis’. Mayo Clinic, 24 February. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473