Tooth Root Fractures Arroyo Grande, CA
Tooth root fractures are cracks in the tooth root, which lie below the gums. Tooth fractures can occur due to trauma to the mouth, tooth grinding, or simple wear and tear. Even if individuals take good care of their teeth, they can be susceptible to injuries such as fractures or cracks.
Treatment for tooth root fractures is available at Wilson Oral Surgery in Arroyo Grande and the surrounding area. While tooth fractures can initially be small and painless, it is good to have them examined by an oral surgeon to ensure they do not develop into a larger problem. Call us at (805) 476-2567 to learn more or schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon.
Why See an Oral Surgeon For a Tooth Root Fracture
When a crack occurs in the tooth root, a root canal from an oral surgeon may be recommended. Dentists who specialize in performing procedures on the face, head, neck, jaw bone, gums, insides of teeth, and maxillofacial area, are known as oral surgeons. These dental professionals are also specially trained to diagnose and treat tooth pulp problems. The tooth pulp is connective tissue inside the tooth, extending through the tooth root. Oral surgeons have additional training in root canal procedures and perform them more often than a general dentist.
“Dentists who specialize in performing procedures on the face, head, neck, jaw bone, gums, insides of teeth, and maxillofacial area, are known as oral surgeons.”
Symptoms of a Tooth Root Fracture
Cracked teeth can lead to tooth loss. A tooth root fracture can also lead to an infection in the surrounding gums or bone. This can lead to more extensive dental problems. Tooth root fractures may not cause symptoms initially, making them challenging to diagnose. Tooth root fractures may go unnoticed until they lead to an infection in the bone or gums. The most common symptom of a fractured tooth is pain which may be intermittent and is more likely to occur when biting or chewing. Other symptoms of a cracked tooth may include:
- A pocket between the tooth and the gums
- Sensitivity to cold or cold foods
- Swelling around the tooth
- Throbbing teeth throughout the day
An oral surgeon can sometimes save a cracked tooth root with a root canal treatment and a dental crown. However, an untreated cracked tooth will eventually split under pressure, and the surgeon will have to remove it.
“The most common symptom of a fractured tooth is pain which may be intermittent and is more likely to occur when biting or chewing.”
Types of Tooth Root Fractures
Tooth root fractures are typically classified as either vertical fractures or transverse fractures. The crack begins in the tooth root and moves upward toward the crown in a vertical root fracture. Vertical root fractures are the most common type of root fracture.
Transverse root fractures run horizontally through the tooth root. Horizontal root fractures are relatively rare and occur in only three percent of all dental injuries.
“Tooth root fractures are typically classified as either vertical fractures or transverse fractures.”
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Diagnosis and Treatment
Tooth root fractures may be detectable on dental X-rays. Our oral surgeon may also use a special light or dye, which allows them to detect fracture lines in the tooth. Several different options are available for treating tooth root fractures. In some cases, the surgeon may remove the fractured root, and the rest of the tooth may be salvageable.
In some cases, our oral surgeon may also choose to use a particular type of cement to stop the progress of the fracture. In the instances where a tooth extraction cannot be avoided, the oral surgeon will first explore every possible option for saving the tooth.
“Several different options are available for treating tooth root fractures.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can a cracked tooth be fixed?
Q. What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
Q. What are the different types of tooth root fractures?
Q. How does an oral surgeon diagnose a tooth root fracture?
Q. How do you prevent a cracked tooth?
People Also Ask
Q. What is root canal treatment?
Q. Why do patients need oral surgery?
Q. How is an oral surgeon different from a general dentist?
Aftercare and Avoiding Future Tooth Root Fractures
Following treatment for a tooth root fracture, it is vital to follow the instructions provided by the oral surgeon to aid in healing and prevent infection. The recovery time following a procedure could be two or three weeks, depending on what needs to be done. The practitioner may recommend the patient eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth. The surgeon may also prescribe painkillers or recommend using over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
Practicing proper oral hygiene and regular dentist appointments can help prevent additional tooth root fractures in the future. Avoid chewing hard foods or ice. If someone grinds their teeth at night or plays sports, they should talk to the surgeon or regular dental provider about using a specially-made mouthguard.
“Practicing proper oral hygiene and regular dentist appointments can help prevent additional tooth root fractures in the future.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes a tooth root fracture?
A. Many different factors can cause tooth cracks and fractures. Some of the most common causes of tooth fractures are:
- Bruxism, which is the excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw
- Chewing on hard objects, such as ice, hard candy, or pens
- Misaligned teeth, which can cause some teeth to experience more stress during chewing
- Trauma to the face, such as being hit in the mouth during sports
Q. Can a fractured tooth heal?
A. A fractured tooth cannot heal. If the tooth can be saved, the goal will be to strengthen the damaged tooth enough to protect the tooth and the tooth pulp from further damage. Having a fractured tooth repaired as soon as possible can reduce the likelihood of infection or additional damage.
Q. What factors increase the risk of tooth fractures?
A. Teeth can weaken over time, which makes older adults more susceptible to tooth fractures. Exposing teeth to temperature extremes in a short period can also increase the risk of fractures. Large fillings can make the tooth structure less stable and more prone to injury. Individuals who participate in contact sports should always wear a mouth guard or a mask to protect their faces.
Q. How long does it take to fix a fractured tooth?
A. The time required for treatment will depend on whether the person had an extraction or another procedure, such as a root canal. Some procedures will require multiple dental appointments. For example, while a root canal may take roughly an hour, the person may wear a temporary crown and then return to the oral surgeon when their permanent crown is ready.
Q. When should I see an oral surgeon for a tooth root fracture?
A. If you suspect you have a tooth root fracture, it is a good idea to see an oral surgeon as soon as possible. However, once an infection develops, you may only be aware of a tooth root fracture. Therefore, make an appointment if you experience continued tooth pain, fever, swollen gums, bad breath, swollen lymph nodes, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Tooth root fractures should not be ignored. Even if no symptoms are present or symptoms are mild, a tooth root fracture can lead to more severe problems in the future. If you think you have fractured a tooth root, talk to an oral surgeon about possible treatment options. Call the Wilson Oral Surgery Arroyo Grande office at (805) 476-2567 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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