Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Analgesia team
A broken molar can be painful, uncomfortable, and worrying. Whether it happens from biting into something hard, grinding your teeth, or an untreated cavity, a damaged molar needs prompt attention. Ignoring it can lead to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth loss.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers multiple repair options, from fillings to crowns and even dental implants in severe cases. In this guide, we’ll cover what causes a broken molar, the best treatments, and how to prevent further damage.
What Causes a Molar to Break?
Molars are the strongest teeth in your mouth, designed for chewing and grinding food. However, they can still crack, chip, or break due to the following causes:
✅ Biting on Hard Foods – Ice, nuts, hard candy, or bones can cause fractures.
✅ Tooth Decay – Cavities weaken the tooth, making it more prone to breaking.
✅ Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Constant pressure can lead to cracks over time.
✅ Old Fillings or Crowns – Weakened dental work that can contribute to structural damage.
✅ Trauma or Injury – A fall or direct impact to the face can break a molar.
If you notice pain, sensitivity, or a sharp edge in your mouth, it’s time to see a dentist before the damage worsens.
Further Reading
How to Repair a Broken Molar
The right treatment for a broken molar depends on the severity of the damage. Here are the most common repair options:
1. Dental Filling or Bonding (For Small Chips & Cracks)
💡 Best for: Minor fractures or chipped molars.
If only a small piece of the molar is broken, a dentist can use a tooth-colored composite resin to fill or bond the area. This quick, painless procedure restores the tooth’s shape and prevents further cracking.
✔️ Pros: Fast, affordable, natural-looking.
❌ Cons: It may not be strong enough for larger fractures.
2. Dental Crown (For Moderate to Large Breaks)
💡 Best for: Larger fractures or weakened molars.
A dental crown (cap) is a strong, custom-made covering that protects the entire tooth. If your molar has significant damage, a crown prevents further breakage and restores chewing function.
Procedure:
1️⃣ . The dentist removes the damaged portion of the tooth.
2️⃣ Molds are taken to create a custom crown.
3️⃣ A temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready.
✔️ Pros: Durable, long-lasting, protects the tooth.
❌ Cons: Requires multiple visits and is more expensive than a filling.
3. Root Canal & Crown (For Broken Molars with Nerve Damage)
💡 Best for: When the break exposes the tooth’s nerve, causing pain or infection.
If a fracture reaches the pulp (nerve centre) of the molar, a root canal may be needed. This procedure removes damaged tissue and infection, preventing tooth loss.
Procedure:
🔹 The dentist removes the infected pulp.
🔹 The root is sealed, and a crown is placed for protection.
✔️ Pros: It saves the tooth and prevents infection.
❌ Cons: More invasive, higher cost.
4. Tooth Extraction & Dental Implant (For Severe Breaks Beyond Repair)
💡 Best for: When the molar is too damaged to save.
If a molar is cracked below the gum line or severely decayed, it may need extraction. In this case, a dental implant or bridge can replace the missing tooth.
Dental Implant Process:
1️⃣ The broken molar is extracted.
2️⃣ A titanium implant is placed in the jawbone.
3️⃣ After healing, a custom crown is attached to restore function.
✔️ Pros: Permanent, natural-looking, prevents bone loss.
❌ Cons: Requires surgery and longer healing time.
What to Do if You Break a Molar at Home
If you break a molar and can’t see a dentist immediately, follow these emergency care tips:
🦷 Rinse with Warm Salt Water – prevent infection and soothe pain.
🦷 Apply Dental Wax or Sugar-Free Gum – Covers sharp edges to protect your tongue and cheeks.
🦷 Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort.
🦷 Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods – Stick to soft foods to prevent further damage.
🦷 See a Dentist ASAP – Delaying treatment can lead to more serious issues.
How to Prevent Molar Breaks
Preventing a broken molar is easier than dealing with repairs. Here’s how to protect your teeth:
✅ Avoid Hard Foods – Be mindful of chewing ice, nuts, and hard candies.
✅ Treat Teeth Grinding – If you grind your teeth at night, consider a custom night guard.
✅ Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups prevent decay.
✅ Replace Old Fillings or Crowns – Weak dental work can increase the risk of breakage.
✅ Wear a Mouthguard – If you play contact sports, protect your teeth from injury.
How to fix a cracked tooth naturally
Once a tooth is cracked, it can’t fully heal on its own. Tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate, so natural methods can only ease pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent the crack from getting worse—not repair the damage itself. Still, these steps can help protect the tooth until you see a dentist.
1. Rinse with warm salt water
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse several times a day. This keeps bacteria under control and helps reduce swelling around the cracked area.
2. Apply a cold compress
Place an ice pack or cold cloth on the cheek near the cracked tooth for 10–15 minutes at a time. It can help numb pain and limit inflammation.
3. Use clove oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic and mild anaesthetic. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and gently press it against the cracked tooth for short-term relief.
4. Eat soft foods only
Avoid chewing on the side of the cracked tooth. Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, and mashed vegetables. Hard or sticky foods can make the crack worse.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully to keep the area clean. Bacteria entering the crack can cause infection or decay, which may worsen pain.
6. Avoid temperature extremes
Hot or cold drinks can trigger sharp pain in a cracked tooth. Drink fluids at moderate temperatures until the area is treated.
7. Try a temporary dental repair kit (if advised)
Some pharmacies sell temporary dental kits that can seal minor cracks or cover sharp edges. They’re not a cure but can protect the tooth until a dentist performs a proper repair.
Important note
Natural remedies can only temporarily relieve symptoms. Depending on how deep the crack is, a cracked or broken molar usually requires professional treatment, such as bonding, a crown, or a root canal. Leaving it untreated risks infection, abscess formation, or tooth loss.
Final Thoughts
A broken molar may seem alarming, but modern dentistry offers effective solutions to restore your tooth and prevent further damage. Whether you need a filling, crown, or implant, early treatment is the key to saving your tooth and avoiding complications.