Broken Tooth Removal in Beaverton, Oregon
Broken Tooth Removal is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Safe, efficient extraction of fractured, cracked, and severely damaged teeth — including teeth broken below the gumline.
It’s completely natural to have questions or concerns. That’s exactly what your consultation is for — no pressure, just honest answers from our specialists.
A Broken Tooth Is Not Always a Simple Extraction
When a tooth breaks, the clinical picture ranges from a minor cusp fracture that can be restored with a crown to a catastrophic vertical root fracture that splits the tooth from crown to apex. Teeth that are candidates for broken tooth removal are those that cannot be saved: the fracture extends below the bone level, the remaining root structure is insufficient to support a restoration, or the tooth has fractured vertically through the root itself. These situations transform what might have been a straightforward extraction into a surgical case because the crown — the part a dentist normally grasps with forceps — is partially or entirely gone. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, extracting severely broken teeth is among the most common referrals we receive from general dentists who encountered a tooth that could not be removed with standard techniques.
The challenge of extracting a broken tooth lies in access and use. A tooth broken at or below the gumline offers nothing for forceps to grasp. The traditional approach of applying rotational and outward force to a crown simply does not work when the crown is missing. Dr. Ostovar begins these cases with a CBCT scan to evaluate the root anatomy of the broken tooth — how many roots remain, whether they are curved or straight, whether the roots are divergent or convergent, and their proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve (lower teeth), the maxillary sinus (upper molars), or adjacent tooth roots. With this three-dimensional roadmap, the surgical plan is tailored before the first incision. The approach typically involves reflecting a mucoperiosteal flap to expose the remaining root structure, removing a controlled amount of surrounding bone with a surgical bur to create purchase points, and using specialized elevators and periotomes to luxate the root fragments individually.
For multi-rooted broken teeth, sectioning is often the most efficient and least traumatic approach. Rather than trying to remove a three-rooted upper molar as one piece — which would require extensive bone removal — Dr. Ostovar uses a surgical bur to cut between the roots at the furcation, separating the tooth into two or three individual root segments that can each be improved through the existing socket with minimal additional bone sacrifice. This technique is critical for preserving the bone volume needed if you plan to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant. After all root fragments are confirmed removed (verified clinically and sometimes radiographically), the socket is debrided, irrigated, and may receive a bone graft with PRF if implant placement is planned. The flap is sutured closed, and the patient leaves with prescriptions and written post-operative instructions.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery After Broken Tooth Extraction
Broken tooth extraction is a surgical procedure. Recovery is similar to other surgical extractions, with healing time depending on the extent of bone work required.
First 48 Hours
Expect moderate swelling and discomfort, particularly if significant bone removal was needed to access the broken root. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals. Take prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication on schedule. If the tooth was infected before extraction, antibiotics are typically prescribed. Eat soft foods on the opposite side. Gauze pressure controls any initial oozing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and begins resolving. Pain diminishes significantly by day four to five. Sutures begin dissolving. The extraction site fills with granulation tissue, which appears as a whitish or yellowish layer over the socket. Begin gentle warm salt water rinses. Gradually expand your diet to include soft foods as comfort allows. Most patients return to work within two to four days.
Long-Term Healing
Soft tissue closes over the extraction site within two to three weeks. If a bone graft was placed for future implant planning, the graft matures over four to six months. Full bone remodeling in the socket takes three to six months. Follow-up visits confirm healing and allow us to plan the next step for tooth replacement if applicable — whether implant, bridge, or other prosthetic.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Why Teeth Break and How Fracture Patterns Dictate Treatment
Dental fractures follow predictable patterns based on the tooth’s structural vulnerabilities. A vital (living) tooth with intact dentin and enamel is remarkably strong, capable of withstanding forces exceeding 200 pounds per square inch during normal chewing. But several factors dramatically weaken this structure: large restorations that remove natural tooth architecture, endodontic treatment that eliminates the pulp’s hydrating effect and makes dentin more brittle, and chronic parafunctional forces from grinding or clenching. The classification system used by oral surgeons describes fractures by location and direction. A horizontal fracture at or above the gumline may allow restoration if enough supragingival structure remains. A subgingival fracture that extends below the crestal bone eliminates the ferrule effect needed for crown retention, making extraction the only viable option. A vertical root fracture — the most insidious type — splits the root longitudinally from the canal outward, creating a pathway for bacterial invasion that causes a localized periodontal defect mimicking an abscess. These fractures are frequently misdiagnosed because they may not be visible on two-dimensional radiographs. CBCT imaging significantly improves vertical root fracture detection by revealing the fracture line in cross-sectional views. The biomechanical reality is that once a root fractures vertically, the tooth cannot be salvaged because the fracture line will never heal — it simply serves as a bacterial highway into the bone.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Extracting a broken tooth is the situation where the difference between a generalist and a specialist becomes most apparent. When a dentist attempts to remove a tooth that fractures during extraction, the case instantly becomes surgical: a flap must be raised, bone removed, and fragments retrieved individually. This is precisely why general dentists refer broken tooth cases to our practice — Dr. Ostovar begins with the expectation that the extraction will be surgical and plans accordingly with CBCT imaging. He has the surgical handpieces, specialized elevators, root tip picks, and the trained surgical team to manage a fragmenting root efficiently. The result is a controlled procedure with minimal bone loss, thorough fragment retrieval, and the option for simultaneous socket grafting when the patient’s restorative plan calls for it. Trying to remove a broken tooth without the right instruments, imaging, and experience risks driving fragments into the maxillary sinus, the inferior alveolar canal, or deeper into bone where retrieval becomes significantly more invasive.
Your Broken Tooth Removal Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive broken tooth removal evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your broken tooth removal options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for best healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: Don’t Wait — Call Now
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from broken tooth removal are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Dental emergencies get worse with time, not better. If you’re reading this page because you’re in pain right now, stop reading and call us at (503) 822-0096. We hold emergency slots every single day — including weekends. My front desk team knows to prioritize emergency calls.
I’ve seen patients wait days with a dental abscess because they thought it would resolve on its own. It won’t. An untreated dental infection can spread to the airway, the bloodstream, or the brain. That’s not meant to scare you — it’s meant to motivate you to pick up the phone.
We have IV sedation, 3D imaging, and a full surgical suite available for emergency cases. Whether it’s a cracked tooth that needs a crown, an abscess that needs drainage, or a knocked-out tooth that needs reimplantation — we can handle it in one visit.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Emergency Dentistry, Beaverton, OR
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken tooth always be saved, or does it sometimes need extraction?
It depends entirely on the fracture pattern. A tooth with a cracked cusp or a horizontal fracture above the bone level may be saveable with a crown. A tooth fractured below the bone level, split vertically through the root, or broken so extensively that insufficient structure remains for a restoration requires extraction. Dr. Ostovar evaluates the fracture with CBCT imaging to determine the exact extent and provides an honest recommendation.
Why is removing a broken tooth harder than removing an intact tooth?
Dental forceps are designed to grasp the crown of a tooth. When the crown is fractured away, there is nothing to grip. The remaining roots must be accessed by elevating a gum tissue flap, removing surrounding bone to expose the root surface, and using specialized instruments to mobilize individual root fragments. This converts what might have been a five-minute forceps extraction into a surgical procedure requiring flap elevation, bone work, and sutures.
What if my tooth broke during an extraction attempt at my dentist’s office?
This happens and is not necessarily an error on your dentist’s part. Teeth that are heavily restored, endodontically treated, or have curved roots are prone to fracturing during extraction attempts. If your dentist was unable to retrieve the remaining root or determined that surgical intervention was needed, they appropriately referred you to a specialist. We handle these referrals routinely and can usually schedule you within 24 to 48 hours.
Is it safe to leave a broken tooth in my mouth?
A broken tooth with an exposed pulp chamber acts as an open pathway for bacteria to enter the jawbone, leading to abscess formation, cellulitis (spreading soft tissue infection), and bone destruction around the root. Even if the tooth is not currently painful, infection can develop and worsen rapidly. Sharp fractured edges can also lacerate the tongue and cheek. In general, a broken tooth that cannot be restored should be extracted in a timely manner to prevent complications.
What are the risks of leaving a broken tooth root in the jaw?
Retained root fragments can harbor bacteria, cause chronic infection, form cysts or granulomas, and prevent proper bone healing at the extraction site. If you plan to get a dental implant later, a retained root tip makes implant placement more complex. Our oral surgeon uses CBCT 3D imaging to locate and completely remove all root fragments.
Can an infected broken tooth be extracted immediately?
In most cases, yes. The broken tooth is the source of infection, and removing it is the definitive treatment. If there is a large swelling with fluctuance (abscess), we may incise and drain the abscess and extract the tooth in the same visit. Occasionally, we prescribe a short course of antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours before extraction to reduce acute inflammation, particularly if the tissue is so inflamed that achieving adequate anesthesia would be difficult.
Should I get a bone graft after a broken tooth is removed?
If you plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant, socket preservation grafting at the time of extraction is strongly recommended. This maintains the bone volume needed for implant placement. If you are choosing a bridge, partial denture, or no replacement, grafting may not be necessary. We discuss your replacement options and grafting recommendation during the extraction consultation so you can make an informed decision.
How do you confirm all root fragments are removed?
We reassemble the extracted root fragments on the surgical tray to verify that all pieces account for the expected root anatomy shown on the pre-operative CBCT. If there is any doubt, we take a post-operative radiograph to confirm the socket is clear. Leaving a root fragment behind can lead to infection, failure of a future implant, or delayed healing, so thorough verification is a standard part of every surgical extraction.
Will I need stitches after a broken tooth extraction?
Almost always, yes. Because broken tooth extraction requires raising a gum tissue flap and often involves bone removal, the flap must be repositioned and sutured closed for proper healing. We typically use resorbable sutures that dissolve on their own within seven to fourteen days. In some cases, a non-resorbable suture is placed and removed at your follow-up appointment.
How long does it take to extract a broken tooth?
Most broken tooth extractions take 30 to 60 minutes of surgical time, depending on the number of remaining roots, the depth of the fracture, and whether the roots are curved, divergent, or close to critical structures. A single-rooted broken premolar is generally quicker than a three-rooted broken upper molar with divergent roots adjacent to the sinus floor.
Can IV sedation be used for broken tooth extraction?
Yes. IV sedation is available for any surgical extraction at our practice. It is particularly appropriate when the extraction is expected to be lengthy, when multiple broken teeth need removal in one session, or when the patient has significant dental anxiety. Dr. Ostovar is IV sedation certified and monitors your vital signs continuously throughout the procedure. You will have no memory of the surgery.
What causes teeth to break?
Common causes include biting on hard objects (ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, pens), large existing fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure, teeth that have had root canal therapy (which removes the pulp and makes the tooth more brittle), chronic grinding or clenching (bruxism), trauma from falls or sports injuries, and severe untreated decay that hollows out the tooth from the inside until the remaining shell collapses.
Does insurance cover broken tooth extraction?
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover surgical tooth extraction. If the tooth broke due to trauma, your medical insurance may also provide some coverage. We verify your dental benefits before the procedure, file claims on your behalf, and provide a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket responsibility. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for any remaining balance. Treatment costs vary by complexity. Contact us at (503) 822-0096 for a personalized estimate with insurance benefits calculated.
What are my options for replacing a broken tooth after extraction?
The three primary replacement options are a dental implant (a titanium post with a crown), a fixed bridge (a prosthetic tooth supported by crowns on adjacent teeth), or a removable partial denture. Each has advantages depending on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of surrounding teeth, bone volume, and your budget. We discuss replacement planning during your extraction consultation and can coordinate with your restorative dentist for smooth treatment.
How soon after a broken tooth extraction can I get a dental implant?
If the site is free of infection and has adequate bone, an implant can sometimes be placed immediately at the time of extraction. More commonly, we allow the socket to heal for three to four months — or four to six months if a bone graft was placed — before placing the implant. A follow-up CBCT scan confirms sufficient bone volume and density before implant surgery is scheduled. Dr. Ostovar discusses the ideal timeline for your specific situation during your extraction consultation.
Have a Broken Tooth That Needs to Come Out? We Can Help.
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We handle the difficult extractions that general dentists refer out.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026