Most Common Root Fractures in Teeth
Fractured teeth and tooth roots most often occur because of sudden trauma to the teeth, which can happen during sports, accidents, and in any blow to the face, and teeth that are weakened by decay or other stress are more likely to fracture than healthy teeth. In some cases, in fact, prolonged stress on especially weak teeth can lead to fracture without any direct, sudden trauma. Dental root fractures vary in severity and type, and different fractures result from different circumstances. Before determining the best course of treatment for your tooth root fracture, your endodontist will assess and diagnose the type and severity of the fracture, to ensure appropriate, successful treatment. While treatment will depend on the location and type of root fracture and the extent of damage to the dental tissues, the primary goal of treatment for a root fracture is to prevent infection and, ideally, to preserve as much healthy dental tissue as possible.
Cracks and fractures in the teeth and their roots are categorized by their location relative to the gum line, the direction of the crack, which dental tissues are affected by the fracture, and the depth and extent of the fracture into the tooth’s roots. These characteristics are assessed with dental x-rays and a thorough oral examination. Each tooth has three primary layers: the outer enamel layer; a structural, sturdy layer of dentin; and the vital inner core of dental pulp that keeps each tooth alive.
Some types of tooth fractures, like the oblique supragingival fracture, can be relatively painless and fairly small but still lead to painful infection if not treated promptly, due to their presence on the often-used surface of the tooth above the gums; the more the teeth are used, the more the damage spreads and the risk of infection increases. Other types of dental fractures, like subgingival or root fractures, tend to be more noticeably painful and can easily interfere with simple tasks like chewing, speaking, or even breathing; these severe fractures should be treated like dental emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
Dental fractures can quickly compromise the health and integrity of the dental pulp, allowing bacteria and infection to destroy vital tissue. When the dental pulp is damaged by a root fracture, the most common type of treatment recommended by endodontists is the root canal treatment, which removes damaged dental tissue and replaces it with filling, sealing the area to prevent additional infection. After the canal inside the tooth root is cleaned, filled, and sealed, the tooth is capped with a dental crown, protecting the shape, structure, and appearance of the tooth and allowing it to continue its important role in the health of the oral cavity.
When damage to the tooth is too severe and can’t realistically be repaired, the endodontist may have no choice but to extract the tooth. Replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant can help maintain the health of the jaw and the oral cavity, though this is time-consuming and expensive. The best approach to treating dental root fractures is to prevent them from happening. Of course, accidents happen, but if you play contact sports, make sure to wear a mouth guard, and if you habitually grind or clench your teeth, talk with your dentist about a protective night guard you can use while sleeping. Keeping the teeth, gums, and oral cavity clean, with regular, effective brushing and flossing, can also help your teeth stay strong and resist the various forces they face.