There are many different types of dental treatment available, both restorative and cosmetic, and while most dentists will perform any procedures with the upmost diligence and care, there are some who simply don’t have the skill and experience to be able to provide the level of quality and attention that you deserve. Incidentally, even the most qualified and experienced dentists can fall foul to episodes of human error from time to time.

Why might a tooth be broken by a dentist?

Most instances in which a tooth has been broken by a dentist are accidental damage that is caused during routine treatment. Our teeth are close together, and this can make some dental procedures particularly tricky to perform. If your dentist does exhibit due diligence, the teeth that are surrounding a decayed or damaged tooth could also be adversely affected.

One example of this is when a tooth that is adjacent to one being removed is put under pressure that causes it to crack or chip. Even though a broken tooth isn’t serious and can be fixed, it can present some problems until treatment is completed.

Symptoms of a broken tooth

It is not always possible to see every type of break as some appear as hairline fractures that are virtually imperceptible to the naked eye. Typical symptoms of a broken tooth include pain or sensitivity when you eat something particularly hot, cold, or sweet, or when biting into something. It is rare for the pain of a broken tooth to remain constant.

Treatment for a broken tooth

The good news is that broken teeth can be fixed relatively easily, usually by placing a prosthetic crown over the top of the affected tooth.

​​​​​​​If some of the tooth breaks off and you can find it, don’t try and re-attach it. Instead, pop it into a clean container of milk and get it to your dentist. Depending on the severity and location of your break, your dentist may be able to reattach it.

Is it illegal for my dentist to have broken my tooth?

Although a broken tooth can be fixed, it doesn’t detract from the fact that, if it was caused by your dentist’s negligence, it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. That said, it isn’t strictly illegal, for your dentist to break your tooth.

What is does mean, is that your dentist wasn’t exercising due diligence, or didn’t have the education, training, and experience needed to deliver treatments with the accuracy and safety that you deserve.

Proving that your dentist is at fault may prove difficult without professional assistance from someone used to dealing with dental malpractice cases. However, that is the specialty of our expert attorneys.

We have helped countless patients pursue their dentists for injuries and problems sustained in the line of routine dental work and helped them to achieve the financial compensation that they were entitled.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with our team of experienced dental lawyers, call our office today at 602-833-4200.