Most Common Root Fractures in Teeth
A root fracture defines a crack in a tooth that extends down toward the root of the tooth. There are a variety of different probable causes of a dental root fracture. Identifying the initial cause and the actual type of root fracture is necessary to determine which is the best treatment to apply.
What are The Causes of Dental Root Fractures
The cause of a dental root fracture can be as simple as an unfortunate fall, or an accidental blow to your mouth during a sporting activity, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, and more. The cause will determine the correct treatment.
Identifying the Different Layers of a Tooth
There are different layers in every tooth. Understanding the layers and their roles helps identify dental root fractures. The three primary layers of a tooth are:
* Enamel-The tough protective outer shell of the crown, which is only above the gumline.
* Dentin- The second layer.
* Dental pulp- The living and sensitive tissue center, including blood vessels and nerves.
Enamel is what is visible, covering just the crown. The enamel is extremely strong, but yet can still be vulnerable to damage from either dental trauma or poor oral hygiene. The yellowish dentin, which is harder than bone but still softer than enamel, makes up the bulk of the tooth. Finally, the pulp, full of nerves and blood vessels, resides in a pulp chamber and is at the center of each tooth.
What are Some Causes of Dental Root Fractures
The most common and frequent cause of a root fracture is sudden trauma. This can happen from a fall, during a sporting activity or an accident, and in other ways. Take precautions, if possible, to reduce your risk of a root fracture. For example, wear a protective mouth guard for sports, or a night guard for teeth grinding.
The Different Types of Root Fractures
The first thing your dentist will identify is the type of root fracture you have, because each version is treated in a unique way. The more common types of fractures are:
* Oblique supragingival fracture
* Oblique subgingival fracture
* Vertical furcation fracture
* Vertical root fracture
* Vertical apical root fracture
To determine the kind and severity of your fracture, your dentist will conduct an oral examination and take x-rays to identify the specific fracture.
How does Your Dentist Treat a Root Fracture
Your treatment solution for your root fracture will depend on the severity of your fracture. For a serious fracture that has damaged the pulp, they will recommend a root canal. This common procedure includes removing all the pulp of the tooth and filling the pulp chamber with a rubbery substance. A restorative crown is usually placed to protect the natural tooth.
The Long-Term Outlook for a Root Fracture
The goal of the entire dental industry is to save a natural tooth from being lost, and your dentist will do just that. The successful results of a root canal or other similar treatments can last for years.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Dentist Today
If you think you might have a tooth root fracture, schedule your appointment soon. Your dental team will restore the health of a damaged tooth and then monitor the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
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