110 – Can I leave a fractured root in
Can I Leave a Fractured Tooth Root In?
The tooth is made up of a root embedded in the socket and a crown visible in the mouth. Teeth are covered with enamel: a tissue composed of up to 98% inorganic matter. And although it is the hardest tissue in the human body, even it is not indestructible. It is most often damaged in the event of mechanical trauma, endodontic treatment (also called root canal treatment), advanced caries or certain diseases. The tooth may be cracked, broken or chipped. In some cases, a root fracture may also be accompanied by a fracture of the alveolar bone.
Cracked teeth may also be the result of bruxism (pathological clenching and grinding of teeth) and untreated malocclusion. Enamel weakening also occurs as a result of contact with stomach acids (e.g. in reflux disease), as a result of addictive nicotine smoking and an improper diet that disturbs the natural pH in the oral cavity. You can then observe that the enamel is slightly more transparent. Over time, small scratches or cracks (vertical or transverse) develop on it.
Crown and root fracture
Does a tooth crack always require extraction? Not necessarily! If the damage only affects the enamel, it is possible to rebuild the tooth, e.g. using dental veneers. If the crack is deep and reaches up to the root located in the socket, the situation is slightly more complicated. However, each case is individually considered by a doctor. The dentist examines the extent and type of crack (vertical, horizontal or oblique), orders imaging tests (including X-ray examinations) and on this basis assesses the possibilities of treating the cracked tooth root.
Tooth root fracture – causes
The cause of a tooth root crack may be a mechanical injury resulting from a fall or impact. Dental clinics are often visited by people after road accidents, assaults or by people practicing sports professionally and semi-amateur. Endodontic treatment may also be the cause of tooth root cracking. A tooth without pulp becomes more susceptible to pressure.
Cracked tooth root – symptoms
Cross-section of a tooth with the root visible. Many people wonder if a cracked tooth root hurts. Patients most often complain of throbbing pain, which intensifies while eating (especially when exposed to cold or hot food and drinks). But pain can also appear spontaneously. What to do if you notice the described symptoms? First of all, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to avoid eating hard foods until the visit, which may cause further tooth cracking. In case of severe pain, you can use over-the-counter painkillers.
Cracked tooth root – treatment
A cracked tooth root is a serious problem that should not be underestimated! The method of treatment depends on, among others: on the method of fracture. If you have a vertical fracture, tooth extraction will likely be necessary. In the case of an oblique fracture, in special cases it is possible to save the tooth. It is very important to react as quickly as possible and consult a specialist. Treatment of a cracked tooth root is performed under local anesthesia. Thanks to this, the patient does not feel pain.
Can a cracked tooth root be saved?
Many patients wonder not only what the symptoms of a broken tooth root are, but also whether a cracked tooth can heal. Unfortunately, the tooth is not able to regenerate on its own. Therefore, it is not worth waiting until the pain prevents normal functioning! If you notice any disturbing symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
What can I replace an extracted tooth with?
If the doctor decides to remove a tooth with a cracked root, he will suggest one of the tooth reconstruction methods. Not only for aesthetic reasons, but above all for health reasons! Improper closure of teeth may contribute to the development of many diseases and ailments in the oral cavity, but not only that. Modern medicine offers many options for treating a cracked tooth root, missing teeth or even complete toothlessness.