Treating Fractured Root
A root fracture occurs when just the root of a tooth is compromised due to excessive force from chewing, possibly on something hard or using your teeth as tools, from large dental fillings, or simply from age. It is important to seek immediate treatment if you suspect a root fracture, which will only get worse without attention and could lead to a dental abscess.
How do I know if I have a fractured tooth root?
A fractured root does not necessarily present with symptoms and can go undetected for quite some time. Symptoms that you may experience in the event of a root fracture include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling in the gum tissue
- Intermittent pain
How is a fractured tooth root treated?
Treatment for a fractured root will depend on the complexity and severity of the fracture. A root can fracture vertically, horizontally or even, split in two. A fractured root can actually be kind of difficult to diagnose even with x-rays. Your dentist will of course assess the area and possibly perform a few diagnostic tests. If they believe you have a fractured root, they may be able to treat you in-office or may refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon.
If a fractured root is not attended to, infection can develop and an abscess can form next to or at the base of the root. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that is very painful and can lead to more problems. The infection resulting from a fractured root and abscess can spread into the jaw and even into the bloodstream. This is why regular visits to the dentist are so important! You can live with a fractured root without realizing it and much more severe health complications can arise.
To treat a fractured root, your dentist may advise root canal therapy or extraction. Any treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and what your dentist thinks will give you the best prognosis.
If a root canal is appropriate, an endodontist will drill a small access hole and then clean out the nerves and tissue within the canals of the roots. This is the pulp that can become infected and lead to abscess. With the nerves removed from the tooth, the patient will no longer feel any pain associated with that tooth! A crown is typically required for a tooth that has undergone a root canal in order to ensure the integrity of the tooth and keep it strong.
If a root canal will not help, you may need to have the tooth extracted. In the event of extraction, your dentist will discuss replacement options with you if that is something you are interested in. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth or if you prefer to go a more traditional route, a dental bridge can keep your smile healthy!