The Most Common Root Fractures in Teeth
A root can fracture in a variety of different ways. How your root fractures will determine the type of treatment you require to address the condition.
Below is information about what a root fracture is, the various causes, the most common root fractures in teeth, and more.
What is a Fractured Root?
A root fracture is a dental condition where a tooth cracks beneath the gum line, affecting the tooth's root. Such fractures commonly stem from trauma to a tooth's root, but other factors such as biting down overly hard can also lead to a root fracture.
What Are the Causes of a Fractured Root
Root fractures can occur due to various reasons. Some include:
• Blunt force trauma to the tooth, such as from a car accident or a sports-related injury
• Misuse of teeth for non-dental tasks, like opening packages
• Abrupt changes in temperature within the mouth
• Excessively large fillings that weaken the tooth's structural integrity
The Most Common Root Fractures in Teeth
There are actually different types of root fractures that you may experience, and your treatment will depend on the type of fracture you are experiencing. Some of the most common root fractures in teeth are:
- Oblique supragingival fracture
- Vertical apical root fracture
- Vertical furcation fracture
- Oblique subgingival fracture
- Vertical root fracture
During your appointment with a dentist, they will perform an x-ray to determine the type of root fracture you are experiencing. From there, an appointment for treatment can be scheduled.
Fractured Root Symptoms
Take immediate action if you notice the following symptoms of a root fracture:
• Pain during biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
• Intermittent sharp pain in the affected area
• Swelling and inflammation
Upon noticing these symptoms, it's crucial to schedule a dental appointment at the earliest possible time.
Is a Root Fracture Serious?
A root fracture is a significant dental emergency. Beyond the discomfort, unaddressed fractures can evolve into serious oral health problems. It's critical to seek immediate professional help for a root fracture—even if it calls for an emergency dentist visit.
Treating a Fractured Root
If you have a root fracture, it's paramount to address any associated infection immediately. To do so, your dentist will typically perform root canal treatment to remove the infected tooth tissue—stopping the infection from spreading. After the repair, your dentist may place a dental crown, which is a prosthetic that replaces a tooth's crown.
The primary objective for your dentist is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. They will strive to avoid tooth extraction due to a fracture. However, in situations where there is severe damage or infection, extraction might be inevitable.
Get in Touch
If you suspect a root fracture or are experiencing any discomfort in your mouth, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment. A top-tier dentist in our practice will check your tooth to identify the source of the discomfort and prescribe the right treatment to remedy the condition. This may include a root canal or even extraction to address a root fracture.