Can I leave Fractured Tooth Root In?
If you have broken off a tooth, leaving the root remaining in your gums, schedule an appointment to see your dentist to correct it.
Any leftover tooth root fragments can create problems if not treated properly. Even if you have had a tooth extracted, and a piece of tooth root fragment remains, contact your dentist to remove this root. They will correct your issue quickly.
What Medical Concerns Can Leftover Tooth Fragments Cause?
The primary concern regarding any tooth fragments left in place is infection. Bacteria will cause swelling and abscesses around the fragments, leading to systemic problems like Ludwig’s angina, which is a rapidly progressive infection resulting in airway obstruction. Although this condition is rare, leftover wisdom tooth fragments will cause this condition leading to hospitalization.
What Is the Procedure to Remove Your Tooth Fragment?
- A local anesthetic is first administered to numb the immediate gum tissue area.
- The bone around the tooth fragment may need to be removed with a dental handpiece.
- The fragment is simply removed with handheld instruments.
- The area is irrigated, and sutures are used if necessary to close the site.
Why Was There Tooth Root Left After the Extraction?
There are a few reasons why tooth fragments may have been left behind following a tooth extraction.
The major reason is usually the inexperience of the dental office in removing the tooth, especially if the crown part of the tooth breaks off. A tooth that must be removed with a large cavity will tend to become fragile, often leaving the roots remaining below the gums. Unless your dentist is skilled with this type of extraction, they might not be able to retrieve the leftover tooth roots. If the roots are not removed immediately, it will lead to an infection, among other oral health and systemic problems.
Another reason a tooth fragment is left behind is that the fragment is located near a nerve. Sometimes teeth roots are related to nerves running through your jawbone. Retrieving these leftover fragmented roots could lead to permanent nerve damage. Paresthesia, analgesia, and a variety of other nerve issues can evolve from this; therefore, your dentist might leave the tooth fragments in place if they are too risky to remove.
The removal of a fractured root could take longer to heal than an actual extraction. Whatever treatment is provided, there will be a little trauma that cannot be avoided. Even though you will not feel it during the procedure, the healing will involve some minor swelling. Your dentist will provide both recovery and healing instructions to help you through the recovery process. If you think you could have a fractured root, contact your dentist soon and try to avoid biting or chewing in that area until an x-ray can confirm your concern.
Do not Wait to Seek Treatment
If you are dealing with any discomfort or pain in your mouth for no immediately obvious reason, then seek an evaluation with your dentist soon. The longer you procrastinate, the condition could progressively get worse. A quick and simple evaluation by your dentist will yield proper advice or recommendations.