Treating Fractured Root
Any type of dental trauma can certainly have a traumatic effect on your oral health. If you think you have experienced a cracked tooth or root fracture, prompt treatment is advised to treat the issue before it worsens.
A root fracture can happen for several reasons. For instance, extreme pressure from both biting and chewing can cause a crack. Fractures can also be caused by large fillings or chewing on ice, pencils, hard candy, or other hard objects.
Common Causes of Root Fractures
Fractures and cracks in your teeth can develop from several causes. Root fractures can happen when:
* Sudden blunt force trauma, such as a car accident or sports-related injury.
* Using your teeth as a tool, like opening a package.
* Larger dental fillings can weaken the structural integrity of the tooth.
* Rapid temperature changes in your mouth.
Different Types of Root Fractures
Teeth can fracture in unusual ways. Some cracks are vertical, and others are horizontal. Some are mild, and others are severe. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your situation and the long-term projections of the tooth.
Some of the common types of root fractures include:
* A tooth that is fractured just below the gums- This is when a fracture starts near the crown of the tooth and extends downward into the root.
* Vertical root fracture- A crack that begins in the root and then extends upward towards the crown. This type of fracture is often not painful and is identified when the surrounding gum tissue becomes infected.
* Split tooth- This type of fracture is distinguished by two distinct portions that can be physically separated.
Common Symptoms of a Root Fracture
A cracked tooth may not cause discomfort. This also means it might go undetected for a given period. Which is yet another reason routine dental examinations are so beneficial.
There are some instants when a fractured root may show some symptoms. These can include:
* Discomfort or pain during biting or chewing.
* An increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets.
* Occasional pain which is not constant.
* Inflammation or swelling of your gums.
The Treatment for a Root Fracture
When a fracture is identified, the proper treatment will be contingent on the severity of the fracture. Sometimes the tooth will need to be repositioned and then stabilized with a simple splint. This is successful for mild fractures just below the gum line.
If the fracture enters the pulp of the tooth, a root canal will now be necessary to save the tooth. During this common treatment, the living tissues inside the center of the tooth pulp are removed and the chamber is disinfected. The pulp chamber and the roots are filled with a substance, and a restorative crown is added to protect the natural tooth.
In some instances, a root fracture can be so severe that the natural tooth cannot be saved. Now extraction is the last option. The entire dental industry has been trained to save every natural tooth when at all possible. If the tooth has poor long-term expectations, an extraction to maintain the health of the balance of your teeth in the arch will be recommended. If you need an extraction, your dentist will share a variety of restoration options with you.