Can a Dentist Build Up a Broken Tooth? Absolutely – Here’s How Your Tooth Can Be Fixed

We’ve all felt that terrible moment—a crunch on something hard, sudden pain, or a new rough spot on a tooth. If you’re asking, “Can a dentist build up a broken tooth?”—you’re not alone. It’s a real worry, but dentists today have ways to fix most broken teeth.

A chipped or broken tooth can happen quickly—biting popcorn, falling, or just years of use. The result? A sharp edge, pain, maybe feeling embarrassed, and lots of questions. Is it fixable? Will it hurt? How much will it cost? Can my tooth ever be normal again?

Let’s answer these questions together. This simple guide will show you how dentists fix broken teeth, what options you have, how to pick, and what you can do to keep your teeth strong in the future.

What We’ll Talk About:

• How Dentists Check a Broken Tooth
• Ways to Fix a Broken Tooth: Bonding, Crowns, and More
• How to Pick the Best Fix
• What Happens During Treatment
• Costs, Insurance, and Paying Tips
• Stopping Breaks & Helping Your Fix Last
• When To See a Dentist (Don’t Wait)
• Key Points & What to Do Next

The Short Answer: Yes, Dentists Can Build Up Broken Teeth—Here’s How

Let’s get to the point: Yes, dentists often rebuild and fix broken teeth using lots of good methods.

Whether your tooth has a small chip or a big chunk missing, your dentist can make it look and work almost like before. Sometimes, they use tooth-colored “plastic” in one visit. Other times, you may need something stronger, like a crown or veneer, especially if the damage is big.

But every break is different. The fix depends on:

• How much tooth is left
• Where the tooth is in your mouth (front tooth or back tooth?)
• If the nerve inside is hurt
• How much you can spend and how you want your tooth to look

Act fast. Waiting can cause pain, infection, more damage, or even losing the tooth.

Let’s see how dentists size up the damage.

How Dentists Check a Broken Tooth

Before fixing a broken tooth, your dentist needs to see what kind of break it is. Here’s how they do it.

1. Looking Over the Tooth

The dentist takes a close look. Using a bright light and dental tools, they look for:

• Chips or cracks
• Sharp edges
• Decay or cavities by the break
• Old fillings or repairs

2. X-rays

X-rays are key. Some cracks hide under the gum or inside the root. X-rays show if:

• The root is hurt
• Old fillings are hiding problems
• There’s an infection

3. How Does It Feel?

They’ll ask:

• Does it hurt when you chew?
• Are you sensitive to hot or cold?
• Is there swelling or a bad taste?
• Any trouble talking or eating?

4. Types of Breaks

Dentists put breaks into simple types:

• Craze Lines: Tiny cracks in the top layer—don’t worry about these
• Chipped Tooth: Just a small bit or edge missing
• Fractured Cusp: A bigger piece, often on a back tooth or near a filling, is gone
• Cracked Tooth: A line runs down from the top, but the tooth isn’t split
• Serious Breaks: The tooth is split, maybe below the gum; the nerve might show
• Vertical Root Crack: Starts in the root—these are really bad and usually the tooth is lost

The Middle of The Tooth (An Easy Picture)

Think of your tooth like hard candy with goo in the center. The outer shell shields the soft inside, and in the very middle is the nerve and blood part. Small chips may just hit the candy shell. Big cracks can open the inside, causing pain and letting germs in.

Ways Dentists Can Build Up and Fix a Broken Tooth

Fixing a broken tooth is like fixing a wall. Maybe you just need a bit of “putty” (for small chips), or maybe a piece is missing and needs a bigger patch. Dentists have a lot of ways to help.

Dental Bonding (Composite Resin)

What is it?

Bonding means the dentist uses a tooth-colored “plastic” right on the broken part. It’s like a craftsperson using putty to fill a missing bit. They shine a special light to harden it, then smooth and polish it.

Best For:

• Small chips and cracks, especially on front teeth
• Making teeth look nicer

Why People Like It:

• Quick and doesn’t hurt (usually one visit)
• Keeps most of your own tooth
• Looks pretty natural
• Cheaper than most fixes

Limits:

• Not as strong as crowns or veneers
• Can stain over time if you drink lots of coffee or red wine
• Often needs fixing again after 5–10 years

Dental Fillings

What is it?

If the break is small and you have a cavity or old filling, dentists use tooth-colored plastic or sometimes silver to “fill in” the spot. This brings back strength and looks.

Best For:

• Small to medium breaks, especially in chewing teeth

Pros:

• Chewing is easy again
• Protects the inside of the tooth

Cons:

• Not super strong for large areas
• Silver ones show (so not used in front teeth much)

Dental Crowns (Caps)

What is it?

A crown is like a helmet for your tooth—a custom cover that replaces the outside. It’s like making a new shell for the tooth.

Good For:

• Teeth missing a lot
• Really broken or weak teeth
• Teeth after a root canal

What are crowns made of?

• Porcelain
• Ceramic
• Zirconia (super tough and looks real)
• Porcelain on metal (strong and looks good)
• Gold (really strong, not often used these days)

How’s it done?

• Dentist shapes your tooth, then takes a mold
• You get a fake crown while the real one is made in a lab
• You come back and get the final crown glued on

Good Stuff:

• Lasts a long time (10–20 years)
• Looks and feels like a real tooth
• Full chewing strength returns

Downsides:

• Costs more than bonding or fillings
• Dentist must cut some of the real tooth
• 2 visits are usually needed

Learn more about the crown and bridge lab process.

Dental Veneers

What is it?

Veneers are thin shells (usually porcelain or plastic) glued to the front of your tooth. They are like a face-lift for your tooth, not a fix for big breaks.

Best For:

• Front teeth that look bad but aren’t badly broken

Pros:

• Look very good—white and smooth
• Don’t stain much (if porcelain)
• Don’t feel bulky

Cons:

• Won’t fix big damage
• Once you get them, there’s no going back (dentist must sand away part of the tooth)
• Pricey

Want to know more about dental veneers?

Inlays and Onlays

What are they?

Think of these as something in-between a filling and a crown. They’re made in a lab to fit your tooth perfectly—just the right size.

Best For:

• Medium-sized breaks (too big for a filling, not big enough for a crown)

Pros:

• Strong and last long
• Dentist keeps more of your good tooth

Cons:

• Takes more than one visit
• Costs more than a regular filling

Root Canal (If The Nerve Inside is Hurt)

What is it?

If your break goes down to the nerve, a root canal is often needed. The dentist takes out the hurt nerve, cleans it, and seals the hole. After, you almost always need a crown to protect what’s left.

Who Needs It?

• Really painful broken teeth
• Breaks that go deep inside

Good Points:

• Saves your tooth instead of pulling it out
• Stops pain and infection

Used Less:

• Takes more time (one or more visits)
• The tooth is weaker and needs a crown

Tooth Pulling (Last Choice)

What is it?

If the tooth is split all the way or cracked at the root, it usually can’t be fixed. The dentist takes it out. They only do this if nothing else works.

After Pulling:

• Think about replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture so your other teeth don’t move or your jawbone doesn’t shrink.

Learn more about implant dental labs.

How to Pick the Best Fix for Your Broken Tooth

The right fix depends on:

• Where and how big the break is: Tiny chip? Go for bonding or a veneer. Huge missing section on a back tooth? Probably a crown.
• How much tooth is left: If there’s not much left, you’ll need something strong like a crown or onlay.
• Health of Your Mouth: Gum problems, cavities, or grinding your teeth could change your options.
• How You Want It to Look: Some care most about how it looks, some about strength, some both.
• What You Can Spend/Insurance: Bonding and fillings are cheaper. Crowns, veneers, root canals cost more.
• Dentist’s Opinion: The dentist knows your mouth best and can help you pick.

What Happens in the Chair to Fix Your Tooth

Worried about pain, time, or what’s done? This is what happens most of the time:

1. First Visit and Exam

Dentist checks, listens to your story, and takes X-rays. You talk about options and what’s good or bad about each.

2. Getting Numb

Dentist numbs your tooth. Smaller fixes may need just a numbing gel; bigger jobs need a shot so you won’t feel pain.

3. Getting the Tooth Ready

For bonding, fillings, or veneers, this is quick. For a crown or inlay/onlay, tooth is trimmed and shaped.

4. Fixing the Tooth

• Bonding/Fillings: The dentist puts on layers of plastic, shapes and hardens them with a blue light, then smooths it.
• Crowns/Veneers/Inlays: A mold is made. You wear a fake cover while your real one is made and later glued on.
• Root Canal: Dentist removes the nerve, cleans and fills the middle, puts on a crown.

5. Final Touches

Dentist checks your bite, smooths the fix, and makes sure you can use your tooth.

6. Aftercare and Advice

You’ll get tips for cleaning, eating, and what to look out for.

Cost to Fix a Broken Tooth and What Insurance Covers

Let’s talk about money—so there are no shocks!

What Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Tooth?

Prices depend on what’s needed. Here are some basic ranges:

Note: These are averages. Your own price may be different based on where you are, your dentist, and your needs.

What Does Insurance Pay?

• Easy and “Basic” Fixes: Fillings, bonding, and simple crowns usually get good coverage (after your deductible).
• Harder Fixes: Crowns, veneers, and root canals get less coverage.
• Yearly Limits: Most plans only pay up to $1,000–$2,000 a year.
• Approval for Big Jobs: For expensive fixes, get approval from your insurance first.

Payment Plans

If you can’t pay all at once, ask your dentist about paying over time or using a healthcare credit card.

How to Avoid Breaking Teeth & Make Fixes Last

The best “fix” is not breaking your teeth! But here’s how to help:

Clean Teeth and Gums

• Brush twice a day (use a soft brush)
• Floss every day
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash

Go to the Dentist Regularly

Little problems are easy to fix before they turn into big breaks.

Don’t Bite Bad Stuff

• Skip chewing ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels
• Don’t use teeth to open bottles or things

Protect Your Teeth

• Wear a mouthguard if you play sports
• If you grind your teeth, ask about a custom night guard

Care for Fixed Teeth

• Use mild toothpaste (not gritty ones)
• See your dentist if a fix feels rough, loose, or chipped
• Follow your dentist’s advice

When To See a Dentist for a Broken Tooth (Don’t Wait!)

It’s easy to ignore a small chip or crack. But waiting almost always makes things worse.

Call your dentist fast if you have:

• A visible chip, crack, or a piece missing
• Pain when chewing or with hot/cold foods
• Sharp edges cutting your mouth
• Swelling, pus, or a bad taste
• Trouble eating, talking, or closing your mouth

Getting seen quickly can make the fix easier, cheaper, and help you keep your tooth.

Who Can Get a Broken Tooth Fixed? (Simple Answer)

Almost everyone with a broken tooth can get it fixed, but the best way depends on:

• Healthy roots and gums: If your base is good, even big breaks can often be fixed.
• Enough tooth left: Some fixes need enough tooth to build on.
• Want a natural look: Veneers and crowns look very real for the front of your smile.
• Able to look after it: Some fixes need touch-ups or new parts later on.
• No big health problems: Grinding your teeth or weak jaw might make some fixes not last as long.

If you’re unsure, your dentist can help you figure out what’s possible. Even really bad-looking teeth can sometimes be saved.

Key Things to Remember

To wrap up, here’s what you need to know:

• Most broken teeth can be fixed—sometimes in one trip!

Don’t wait. Fast action avoids pain, infection, or losing the tooth.

• You have many choices:

Bonding, fillings, crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays, root canals—all have their good points, prices, and best uses.

• Your dentist can find what’s best for you,

based on your break, your needs, and your budget.

• Repairs can last for years—sometimes decades—if you take care of them.

Brush, floss, checkups, and don’t bite hard stuff.

• Don’t wait with a broken tooth:

Early fixing is cheaper, saves your tooth, and gives confidence.

What Should You Do Now?

If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, don’t wait! Get it checked and talk with your dentist about the best way to fix it. Your smile and how you feel each day matter.

FAQs About Broken Tooth Fixes

Can a dentist fix any broken tooth?

Almost always, yes. The only time they can’t is when it’s split all the way below the gum or cracked at the root, but you can almost always replace the tooth.

Will it hurt to fix my tooth?

Most times, no. Dentists use numbing so you’re comfortable. After, you might be a little sore.

How long do the fixes last?

Bonding and fillings: 5–10 years. Crowns, veneers, and inlays/onlays: 10–20 years or even longer with good care.

What if I can’t pay a lot for dental work?

Talk to your dentist about what can’t wait and what can. Many offices have payment plans, and insurance helps with simple fixes. Catch the problem early and you’ll save more.

How do I know what lab stuff my dentist uses?

If you want a certain kind of ceramic (like zirconia or E.max) for your fix, just ask! Some dentists use labs like a china dental lab, dental ceramics lab, or zirconia lab.

Keep this simple guide handy as you think about your teeth. Knowing what to expect makes going to the dentist a lot less scary!