What is a Fractured Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

A fractured tooth may cause serious complications or diseases if the symptoms are overlooked or not treated in time. The causes of a broken tooth root can be many, but so are the treatment options. However, it is advisable to go through the causes, symptoms, and treatment options so that you are aware of a fractured tooth as and when you have a fractured tooth.

In this blog, we’ll go through everything related to the fractured tooth root. What is a broken tooth, its symptoms, and its treatment options? So, let’s get to it without any further ado.

What is a Fractured Tooth?

Unlike a loose tooth, a fractured tooth root has a portion broken off in some part or another. While this may seem like a cracked or split tooth, it differs from both. A crack in the tooth or a split tooth leaves the tooth intact but is no longer in an unbroken piece.

A fractured tooth is a tooth that has a crack or break in it. Fractured teeth can range in severity from a small chip to a large crack that extends down to the root of the tooth.

There are several types of fractures that can occur in a tooth:

• Craze lines: These are very fine, hairline fractures that do not go all the way through the tooth. They are usually not visible to the naked eye and do not usually cause any pain or discomfort.
• Fractured cusps:These are fractures that occur on the top of the tooth, also known as the cusp. They may not cause any symptoms unless the fracture extends deep into the tooth.
• Fractured incisal edge: This type of fracture occurs on the front part of the tooth and may cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Fractured root: This is a serious type of fracture that occurs at the root of the tooth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.

Fractured Tooth Root Symptoms

Not every fractured tooth root will generate symptoms. However, if you experience one or several of the symptoms listed below, it is wise to consult a dentist.

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Pain especially when you release the bite
• Over sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness
• Pain that comes and goes but is not continuous

While these are some speculated symptoms of the fractured tooth root, if you spot one or multiple of these, contact a dentist. If gone overlooked for a prolonged period, this tooth can cause issues with other teeth and may cause gum problems too.

In the case of a fractured tooth, it may not be possible to tighten the loose tooth. The best action will depend on the severity of the fracture and the overall health of the tooth.

What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?

A cracked tooth is different from a fractured tooth. When you have a cracked tooth, you may chew unevenly. Biting down on hard foods like hard candies, ice, and nuts and loss of tooth structure because of wear or large fillings. Teeth will be brittle following a root canal.

What Causes a Fractured Tooth?

There are several reasons for a fractured tooth root or even a cracked tooth. Some of the reasons are mentioned below:

• Tooth grinding
• Age
• Trauma
• Other factors

These are a few causes of a fractured tooth. Mostly it occurs when you meet with an accident or because of the ageing factor. You may not have any symptoms of a fractured tooth root or you may even notice sensitivity, pain and swelling on your face. Your dentist has various methods to treat a fracture based on the crack’s location and severity.

Treatment for a Fractured Tooth

The treatment for a fractured tooth will depend on the severity of the fracture and the overall health of the tooth. There are several treatment options for a fractured tooth.

• If the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with a root canal procedure
• A crown to protect the crack from spreading further.
• If the crack has extended below the gum line, it’s no longer treatable and the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted.

Does a Cracked Tooth Need to be Pulled?

In most cases, yes. The cracked tooth needs to be pulled to prevent the infection from developing in the crack. However, if the crack is small and doesn’t go down to the tooth’s root, a filling may be required to fix the problem. Whether or not your teeth need to be pulled depends on the damage done to the cracked tooth.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cracked Tooth? 

Your dentist can sometimes fit a crown in a day; however, it may often take multiple appointments. Tooth extraction treatment is another way to fix a cracked tooth. Your dentist may replace the tooth with a dental implant which can take months. Veneers are another way to restore a cracked tooth. However, it usually takes up to three to four weeks to create veneer before the dentist can fit it into your tooth.

Can a Fractured Tooth Root Heal Itself?

The straightforward answer is No. A cracked tooth or a fractured tooth root won’t heal on its own. Unlike your bones which have a lot of blood vessels, tooth enamel doesn’t have any blood supply and so it won’t be able to repair itself when damaged. You also can’t simply wait for the crack to heal on its own. So, ensure to reach out to a dentist when you have a fractured tooth root.

What Happens If Your Tooth Cracks in Half?

When only a tiny piece of your tooth breaks off, your dental professional may be able to protect the remaining tooth through filling or crown. If the fracture is severe, endodontic surgery may be required to remove the fractured part to protect the pulp and the tooth. Depending on the severity of the fractured tooth root, your dentist may choose a treatment.

Who to See for a Cracked Tooth?

When you notice a cracked tooth, immediately seek your dentist. Even if you suspect a fractured tooth, you should seek a dentist immediately to prevent further damage. If you need a specialist, your general dentist will let you know who to seek after conducting some examinations.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the blog helped you understand everything you need about a fractured tooth root and cracked tooth. Feel free to contact us if you have a broken tooth or want to know about the treatment options. At Allwyn Dental, Our team of expert dentists will not only help you figure out an effective treatment plan but also help you with finding an affordable treatment plan.