Symptoms and Treatments
Not every fractured tooth root will cause symptoms, but when symptoms do present, the pain can be unbearable. In some cases, the symptoms of a fractured root are intermittent, which might imply that the issue isn’t severe; of course, this is more likely to occur when the fracture is only apparent below the gum line and can’t be seen by the naked eye. Without treatment, these fractures will only grow worse, becoming more painful as damage and the risk of infection increase. One of the more common symptoms of root fracture is sharp pain when biting things, either consistently or intermittently, and especially upon release of the bite. Patients also report pain or sensitivity to foods and drinks that are particularly hot or cold. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, if the condition isn’t treated, symptoms could become unbearable, especially if infection occurs.
Because they’re not always visible and symptoms might be intermittent, fractured roots can pose diagnostic challenges. Fractured roots can often be repaired, though some fractures will require root canal treatment, and fractures that severely damage the tooth structure might necessitate extraction of the tooth. If you suspect that you have a fractured tooth root, make an appointment with your dentist, and avoid chewing with that area while you wait to see the dentist. Root fractures often appear as vertical cracks below the gum line, though some fractures spread above the gums, and some fractures lead to a complete separation of the tooth root. In many cases, teeth that have already undergone dental procedures are more susceptible to root fracture, though teeth can also weaken over time. Maintaining a nutritional diet and a proper oral hygiene routine can help reduce the likelihood of fractures and decay.
Treatment for a fractured root will depend on the type of fracture and the extent of the damage. Very minor fractures may be repaired with a stabilizing splint. For larger yet still minor fractures that are contained to the tooth root, a root canal treatment will usually be recommended. If the root has split or if the damage is otherwise substantial, the tooth will need to be surgically extracted. Root canal treatment is designed to maintain as much of the tooth as possible, though the tooth may need to be extracted somewhere down the road. In a root canal, damaged tissue is removed and healthy tissue is sanitized and protected before the structure of the tooth is restored with a dental crown. Recovery for a root canal treatment can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
The recovery period for a tooth extraction will depend on the location of the tooth and the extent of damage to the tooth and the surrounding area. Some extractions will also require stitches, which affect the recovery period, though most extractions heal within a couple of weeks. Dentists recommend pain medication for the period immediately following an extraction, and you may also receive a prescription for an antibiotic if infection was extensive. While complete healing can take more than a week, most patients report a significant reduction in discomfort by around day three. Once healing is complete, you and your dentist can explore your options for replacing the missing tooth.