Fractured Root: Symptoms and Treatments
A root fracture can cause intense discomfort and pain, along with other telltale symptoms. If you have a fractured root, it's crucial to seek immediate treatment not only to alleviate the pain but also to prevent the spread of any potential infection.
Below is detailed information about root fractures, their severity, the symptoms you can look out for, and potential treatment options.
What is a Fractured Root?
A root fracture refers to an oral health condition in which a tooth cracks below the gum line and across the root. Typically, such fractures result from trauma to a tooth’s root. However, biting down excessively hard or other factors can also contribute to a root fracture.
What Are the Causes of a Fractured Root
Root fractures can occur due to various reasons. Some include:
• Damage to the tooth from blunt force trauma, such as a car accident or sports-related injury
• Overly large fillings that compromise the tooth's structural integrity
• Teeth being used improperly to open packages
• Sudden temperature changes within the mouth
Fractured Root Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of a fractured root that you should look out for include:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages
- Occasional pangs of pain in the area
- Swelling and inflammation
If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Is a Root Fracture Serious?
A root fracture is a significant dental emergency. Apart from the discomfort, untreated fractures can escalate and become severe oral health issues. It's vital to seek professional intervention for a root fracture immediately—even if it necessitates a visit to an emergency dentist.
Postponing treatment could result in your dentist needing to extract the tooth to prevent the spread of infection.
Treating a Fractured Root
In case of a root fracture, treating any infection caused by the fracture is a priority. Your dentist will likely perform a root canal procedure to eliminate the infected tooth tissue—halting the spread of infection. Post repair, your dentist may consider fitting a dental crown (a prosthetic replacement for a tooth's crown).
The goal for your dentist is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. They'll make every effort to avoid tooth extraction due to a fracture. However, in cases of extensive damage or severe infection, tooth removal might be the only option.
Contact Us
If you suspect you are experiencing a root fracture or you are experiencing any general oral discomfort, don't delay—scheduling an appointment. An exceptional dentist at our practice will evaluate your tooth to determine the cause of the discomfort and administer the appropriate treatment to alleviate the condition. This could involve a root canal or, in severe cases, an extraction. Remember, the sooner you schedule your visit, the greater the chances of saving your tooth.
Book your appointment today!