Can I leave Fractured Tooth Root In?
If you have accidentally broken off a tooth, and the root remains in your gums, schedule an appointment soon to see your dentist to treat it properly.
Leftover tooth root fragments can easily create problems if not treated correctly. Even if you have had an extraction, and a small piece of tooth root fragment remains, contact your dentist to remove it. They will correct your issue promptly.
What Medical Issues Can Leftover Tooth Fragments Cause?
The primary concern resulting from any tooth fragments left in place is a pending infection. Bacteria can and will cause swelling and abscesses around the fragments, which leads to systemic problems such as Ludwig’s angina, which is a progressive infection resulting in your airway obstruction. Although this condition can be rare, leftover wisdom tooth fragments can still cause this condition leading to hospitalization.
What Is the Procedure to Remove Your Tooth Fragment?
* First, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the immediate area.
* Any bone around the fragment will need to be removed with a dental handpiece.
* The fragment is then simply removed with handheld instruments.
* The area is cleaned and irrigated, and sutures are used, if necessary, to close up the site.
Why Was There Tooth Root Left After the Extraction?
There are a couple of reasons why tooth fragments might have been left following a tooth extraction.
The primary reason is most often the inexperience of the dental staff in removing the tooth, especially if the crown breaks off. A tooth that must be extracted with a large cavity will become fragile, often leaving the roots in the gums. Unless your dentist has experience with this type of extraction, they may not be able to retrieve the leftover roots. If these fractured roots are not removed immediately, it will lead to an infection, creating other oral health and systemic problems.
Another reason a tooth fragment might be left behind is that the fragment is near a nerve. Teeth roots can sometimes be related to nerves running through your jawbone. By retrieving these leftover fragmented roots, it might lead to permanent nerve damage. Analgesia, paresthesia, and a variety of other nerve issues can develop from this; therefore, your dentist may choose to leave the fragments in place if they are too risky to remove.
The final removal of a fractured root can take longer to heal than the actual extraction. Whatever treatment is actually provided, there will be a little trauma to the immediate area that cannot be avoided. Even though you will not feel anything during the procedure, the healing might involve some minor swelling. Your dentist will provide you with both recovery and healing instructions to help you through the recovery. If you think you might have a fractured root, contact your dentist soon and then try to avoid biting or chewing in that area until an x-ray will confirm your concern.
Do not Wait to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your mouth for no obvious reason, seek an evaluation with your dentist soon. The longer you hesitate, the issue could progressively get worse. A simple and quick evaluation by your dentist will provide a proper solution.