Fractured Root: Symptoms and Treatments
A fractured tooth root is actually difficult to diagnose since it is not visible. Common causes might be chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth during the night, or from simple aging. A fractured tooth root does not mean that the crack will be visible above the gum line. You could find a fractured tooth root disturbing, especially when dealing with any cold or warm items.
A fracture does not mean the tooth needs to be removed. Sometimes a cracked root can cause damage which will require extraction or a root canal. Your procedure for a cracked tooth root might take longer to heal.
If you think you might have a fractured tooth root, you should contact your dentist soon for an examination. A fracture in your tooth root will not be repaired on its own.
Causes of a Fractured Tooth Root
A root fracture is often referred to as a vertical root fracture and usually is a crack that is visible on the tooth root below the gum line. Sometimes the fracture will extend up the tooth appearing above the gum line, which now elevates the risk of a complete split. The following are a few causes of a fractured tooth root.
- Excessive pressure or increased trauma.
- A fractured root could be the result of multiple procedures that have therefore weakened the integrity of the tooth and the fracture site.
- A fractured root relating to actual fragile teeth.
- Aging, a fractured tooth is often seen in the older population.
Root Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth
Not every fractured tooth has symptoms, but when they are there, you may encounter some pain. A fractured root usually exhibits intermittent symptoms which can lead you to believe that it is not severe, especially if you cannot see the fracture. The most common symptoms include:
- An occasional sharp pain when biting or chewing.
- An increased sensitivity to both hot and cold food and beverages.
Unless the tooth with the fracture actually becomes infected, the symptoms are quite limited. The unfortunate fact about a fractured tooth root is that because of the difficult diagnosis, you are unaware of its actual presence, and any treatment is delayed until there is further damage to treat.
Treatment for a Fractured Tooth
The treatment of a fractured tooth root is quite limited. It will depend on the size of the fracture and when it was diagnosed.
A Root Canal- A root canal is a compromise in saving the natural tooth. If the fracture is on the root and has not spread up the tooth, or damaged the root, then a root canal is a reasonable option. The tooth is numbed with an anesthetic, the pulp is removed from the tooth and then the pulp chamber is filled with a rubbery like substance. A crown is usually placed to protect the fragility of the tooth.
Extraction- This is also a solution for a fractured root. This is the only other treatment really offered, and in many cases is the solution. Once the tooth extraction has been completed and the immediate area has healed, there are a number of restoration solutions available to fill the space left from the missing tooth.