How Serious is Fractured Root
Minor cracks in dental enamel are relatively common, forming over time as a natural result of aging, and, in many cases, these hairline fractures pose little to no threat and don’t require treatment. More serious dental fractures, however, like those that result from impact or trauma, require immediate treatment. When a dental fracture affects the inner layers of a tooth, or if it goes deep enough into the root of the tooth below the gum line, the entire tooth is threatened, along with the health of the adjacent teeth. Bacteria in food debris and dental plaque can easily enter the deeper layers of the teeth and proliferate in infection, and once infection has entered the inner layers of the teeth, it can spread into the surrounding tissues and can even pose life-threatening risks to the bloodstream. Even common minor cracks can lead to extensive damage over time, and your dentist will routinely monitor damage to your teeth to make sure it doesn’t spread or worsen.
When a tooth and its root are damaged by trauma or impact, the need for treatment is more readily apparent. Endodontists are dental specialists who treat dental issues that involve the tissues inside the teeth, providing essential treatment against the infections that can enter and proliferate inside fractured or cracked teeth. If you sustain an impact to the face due to a fall, blow, or accident, and your face and teeth are visibly damaged, seek emergency medical attention; once the immediate crisis has been managed, consult an endodontist to address your damaged tooth. Sometimes, however, tooth roots fracture less cataclysmically, so it’s important to pay attention for any signs or symptoms that something is awry and to see your dentist if you suspect a fractured tooth root. You might notice pain in one of your teeth, especially when you’re biting or chewing, or there may be visible swelling and noticeable tenderness in the gums surrounding the potentially damaged tooth. The tooth might be particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, or it may bleed when you floss or brush.
If you notice any of these symptoms and can’t pinpoint the reason, seek care from your dentist as soon as you can. It’s likely that the condition will worsen if you wait to seek treatment, and only a dental professional can diagnose and treat your fractured tooth root. If you don’t already have an endodontist, consult with your dentist for a recommendation and advice. For more severe dental fractures, a root canal is the recommended treatment, preserving the optimal amount of natural tooth structure while removing damaged tissue and using a dental crown to protect against additional damage and infection. If the tooth is severely, irreparably damaged or is causing extreme, urgent pain, the dentist may choose to surgically remove the tooth, allowing the area to heal before discussing your tooth-replacement options. Healing and recovery times will vary depending on the type of treatment, though many patients report some swelling, bleeding, and manageable pain for no more than a few days after a root canal or extraction.