111 Symptoms and Treatments for a Vertical Root Fracture

When your tooth breaks deep within the underlying structures of the jaw it is called a vertical root fracture. This is usually a painful and concerning situation, as it can quickly escalate to a larger complication.

What are the symptoms of a vertical root fracture?

Common signs of a fracture in the root of a tooth-
* Pain when chewing or biting
* Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
* Swelling and tenderness in the gums
* A loose tooth
* A visible crack in the tooth
* In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, especially if the fracture is small.

What causes a cracked or broken tooth root?

There are a number of factors that can cause a fractured root, including:

1. Trauma: A blow to the face or mouth, such as from a fall or car accident, can cause a fractured root.
2. Chewing hard foods: Chewing on hard foods, such as ice, nuts, and candy, can put excessive pressure on the teeth and lead to a fractured root.
3. Bruxism: Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which people grind or clench their teeth subconsciously, often during sleep. This can put excessive wear and tear on the teeth and lead to a fractured root.
4. Root canal treatment: Root canal treatment can weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to a fracture.

How is a root fracture diagnosed?

A fractured root can be diagnosed by a dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment). The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and ask you about your symptoms. They may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at the root of the tooth.

How is a vertical root fracture treated?

The treatment for a fractured root will depend on the severity of the fracture and the location of the fracture. If the fracture is small and does not extend into the pulp chamber (the center of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels), the dentist may be able to simply monitor the tooth to see if it heals on its own.

If damage is more severe or extends into the pulp chamber, your doctor will suggest root canal treatment. Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged pulp from the tooth and filling the root canals with a material called gutta-percha. This will help to save the tooth and prevent further infection.

In some cases, a fractured root may be too severe to be saved and the tooth may need to be extracted.

What are the complications of a fractured root?

If a fractured root is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including:
* * Infection
* Tooth loss
* Jawbone loss
* Damage to nearby teeth

Fractured Root Prevention

While there is no sure fire prevention, you can try to prevent a fractured root by:

1. Avoiding chewing ice and candy, or any crunchy foods.
2. Wearing a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.
3. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, before you develop a serious fracture

What should you do?
See your dentist regularly. Attend all your appointments and scheduled followups, and make an appointment today if your last visit is more than 3 months ago. There is often very little early warning when it comes to root fractures, so the best defense is persistent monitoring.