Fractured Teeth

Introduction - Root Canal Therapy - Endodontic Retreatment - Apicoectomy - Fractured Teeth
Traumatic Injuries

Procedures

Fractured teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.

Chewing can cause movement of the fractured pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the fracture can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that fractures can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.

Types of Fractures

Craze lines

These are tiny fractures that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These fractures are more common in adults and are usually of little concern.

Fractured Cusp

When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

Fractured Tooth

This type of fracture extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the fracture may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the fracture to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A fractured tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

Split Tooth

A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated fractured tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic treatment by the endodontists and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture

A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.