Can I Leave Fractured Tooth Root In
Tiny cracks in the enamel outer layer of the teeth are pretty common and often don’t require treatment, though cosmetic options are available if damage is primarily aesthetic and if your smile bothers you. If a fracture in the enamel is severe, however, and when dental fractures occur in the deeper layers of the teeth, they can pose serious risks to the tooth itself and to the surrounding area, possibly even leading to systemic issues if left untreated long enough. Endodontists provide treatment for dental fractures that extend to the tissues inside the tooth, preventing systemic infection and restoring the health and function of the tooth, with prosthetic enhancements when required. If you suspect you have a fractured tooth root or other unseen issue, see your dentist, and ask for a referral to an endodontist if your dentist suspects root damage. Make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment, and don’t leave a fractured tooth root in place if your dentist advises otherwise. Immediate treatment could prevent disaster.
Root fractures have a host of causes, from immediate trauma to gradual forces, with a number of contributing factors. Teeth grow weaker over time and as a result of malnutrition and poor oral hygiene, to name just a few reasons, and weaker teeth are more susceptible to fracture in their roots or elsewhere. Some fractures are caused by the immediate trauma of impacts or falls, while others arise from habitually chewing on hard items like ice or pens. Dental fractures can be horizontal or vertical and can vary in severity and complexity, and they can occur with minimal or sporadic symptoms. This may seem fortunate, as pain might be minimal, but the reality is that a root fracture can lead to all sorts of complications, including neural necrosis, abscess, and even potentially life-threatening systemic infection. Thankfully, your dentist will look for damage to your teeth during your routine dental exams, using periodic x-rays to examine the tooth roots and referring to endodontic specialists when necessary.
When root fractures do cause symptoms, these might include sensitivity to sugary, hot, or cold foods and drinks; discomfort or pain while biting or chewing; intermittent inexplicable pain in one area of the mouth; or inflammation in the gums surrounding the tooth. Treatment will be based on the extent of the fracture. Some minimally fractured tooth roots can be stabilized with dental splints, while other, more sizable fractures will require root canal treatment to sanitize, restore, and protect the natural tooth. Extreme damage may render the tooth unsalvageable; these teeth are surgically extracted.
Treating a fractured root is vital to maintaining the continued health of the surrounding teeth and the adjacent gum tissue and connective tissue, and treatment is also designed to protect the tooth from additional damage whenever possible. Leaving a broken tooth untreated will gradually grow more and more painful as the damage spreads under routine forces, slowly exposing more of the nerve-rich dental pulp and blood vessels to infection. When left unchecked, this infection could also build up in abscess pockets in the jaw, causing extreme pain and a foul smell in the mouth, along with other destructive and unappetizing symptoms. If you have a root fracture, don’t neglect it. Prompt treatment could make a major difference in comfort and long-term outcomes.