Fractured Root; Symptoms and Treatments
A fractured tooth root can be difficult to diagnose since it usually is not visible. Frequent causes can be chewing on harder foods, grinding your teeth at night, or just from aging. A fractured tooth root does not always mean that the crack is visible above the gum line. You might find a fractured tooth root uncomfortable, especially when it is exposed to cold or warm items.
A fracture does not always mean the tooth needs to be removed. Sometimes a cracked root can indeed cause damage which will necessitate an extraction or a root canal. Your treatment for your cracked tooth root could take longer to heal.
If you think you may have a fractured tooth root, you should see your dentist soon for an examination. A fracture in your tooth root will not repair itself on its own.
Causes of a Fractured Tooth Root
A root fracture is quite often a vertical root fracture, and it is a crack that is visible on the tooth root right at the gum line. Sometimes the fracture will extend up the tooth, which will increase the risk of a complete split. Some common causes of a fractured tooth root are:
* Excessive pressure on the tooth or some trauma.
* A fractured root can be caused by multiple procedures that have weakened the integrity of the tooth.
* A fractured root can be from a fragile tooth.
* Natural aging can cause a fractured tooth because it is often seen in the older population.
Root Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth
Not every fractured tooth has signs and symptoms, but if there, you could encounter some discomfort or pain. A fractured root usually presents intermittent symptoms which can lead you to think that it is not serious, especially if you cannot see it. The most common sporadic symptoms include:
* An occasional noticeable pain when biting or chewing.
* A slowly increasing sensitivity to both hot and cold food and drink.
Unless the fractured tooth actually becomes infected, the symptoms are quite limited. The unlucky fact about a fractured tooth root is that since it is difficult to diagnosis, and you are unaware of its actual presence, treatment is therefore reactive versus proactive.
Treatment for a Fractured Tooth
The treatment of a fractured tooth root is also quite limited. It will both depend on the fracture size and any additional damage incurred.
* A Root Canal- This is a viable compromise in saving the natural tooth. If the fracture is on the root and has not spread up to the crown of the tooth, or done damage to the root, then a root canal is a very reasonable option. The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic, the living pulp is removed from the center of the tooth and then the pulp chamber is filled with a rubbery like substance. A dental crown is usually placed on the tooth to enhance protection.
* Extraction- This is also a treatment solution for a fractured root. This is really the only other treatment offered, and in many cases is the appropriate solution. Once the extraction has been completed and the immediate area has healed, there are a number of restorations available to fill the gap left from the missing tooth.