Here's the truth you need to hear: A broken tooth never heals. It only gets worse. What could be fixed with a simple crown today might require extraction and an implant next year. And the health risks go far beyond your mouth.
This guide explains exactly what happens when you leave a broken tooth untreated, the serious complications that can develop, and why acting now—even if it's been years—is critical.
What Happens to a Broken Tooth Over Time
Months 1-6:
- Sharp edges irritate tongue and cheeks
- Food gets trapped, causing decay
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets increases
- Minor infection may begin
6 months to 2 years:
- Decay spreads deeper into the tooth
- Nerve may become exposed or die
- Abscess (pus pocket) may form at the root
- Bone loss around the tooth begins
- Adjacent teeth start to shift
2+ years:
- Tooth structure weakens significantly
- Extraction becomes more likely than repair
- Infection can spread to jaw and beyond
- Systemic health effects may develop
Serious Health Risks of Ignoring a Broken Tooth
Dental abscess
Bacteria enter through the break and infect the root. This causes severe pain, swelling, and pus. Abscesses don't go away on their own and can spread to life-threatening locations.
Bone loss
Chronic infection destroys the jawbone around the tooth. This makes future implants more difficult and expensive, requiring bone grafts.
Spreading infection
Bacteria from a dental infection can enter your bloodstream (sepsis), spread to your heart (endocarditis), or reach your brain (brain abscess). These are life-threatening emergencies.
Heart disease connection
Research links chronic dental infections to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The same bacteria found in infected teeth have been found in arterial plaques.
Difficulty eating
Avoiding chewing on one side leads to uneven wear, jaw problems, and nutritional issues if you can't eat certain foods.
Psychological impact
A visibly broken tooth affects confidence, social interactions, and even job prospects. Many people report avoiding smiling or speaking in public.
Why It Doesn't Hurt (Yet)
Reasons a broken tooth might not hurt:
- The nerve has died (which means infection is likely)
- Decay hasn't reached the nerve yet (but it will)
- You've adapted to chronic low-level pain
- The break is in a low-sensitivity area
When pain finally comes, it's often too late
By the time a broken tooth causes significant pain, the damage is usually severe. The nerve is dying or dead, infection has set in, and simple repair options are off the table.
Pain-free doesn't mean problem-free. Regular dental X-rays can reveal decay and infection before you feel anything.
Treatment Options Based on Damage Level
If caught early (minimal decay):
- Dental bonding: $100-$400
- Crown: $800-$3,000
- Usually one or two visits
If moderate decay:
- Root canal + crown: $1,500-$4,000
- Two to three visits
- Tooth can often be saved
If severe decay or infection:
- Extraction: $150-$500
- Implant to replace: $3,000-$6,000
- Or bridge: $2,000-$5,000
- Multiple visits over months
If bone loss has occurred:
- Bone graft before implant: $500-$3,000 additional
- Healing time: 3-6 months before implant can be placed
The math is simple: A $1,200 crown now vs. a $6,000+ implant later. Acting sooner is always cheaper.
Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
"I can't afford it"
- Many dentists offer payment plans
- Dental schools provide discounted care
- Community health centers use sliding-scale fees
- Some procedures can be phased over time
- Waiting makes it MORE expensive, not less
"I'm scared of the dentist"
- Sedation dentistry is widely available
- Communicate your fears—dentists hear this daily
- Modern techniques are much less painful than decades ago
- The alternative (emergency extraction while in severe pain) is worse
"I don't have time"
- A crown takes 2 visits of 1-2 hours each
- An emergency extraction takes hours plus recovery days
- Chronic infection affects your energy and productivity daily
"It's been so long, I'm embarrassed"
- Dentists see severe cases regularly—they won't judge
- They'd rather see you now than after things get worse
- Your health matters more than embarrassment
Key Takeaways
A broken tooth never gets better on its own. It only gets worse, more painful, more dangerous, and more expensive to fix. The simple filling that could have saved it two years ago might not be an option anymore.
Call a dentist tomorrow. Not because it hurts, but because waiting until it hurts means waiting too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
No, teeth cannot heal themselves like bones do. A broken tooth will only get worse over time as bacteria enter and cause decay and infection. Professional dental treatment is required.
How long can you leave a broken tooth untreated?
You should not leave a broken tooth untreated at all. While some people go years without obvious symptoms, damage is occurring beneath the surface. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the treatment becomes.
Is a broken tooth an emergency?
A broken tooth should be seen by a dentist soon, but it's only an emergency if you have severe pain, significant bleeding, signs of infection (swelling, fever), or difficulty breathing/swallowing.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
