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Understanding Dental Root Fractures

Each layer of the tooth plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy and happy. Whether it be from injury or general wear and tear, a dental root fracture can cause discomfort and pain. The sooner your tooth receives treatment, the better the outcome will be.

If you suspect that you have a fractured tooth, do not hesitate to protect your oral health. Our team at Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham and the surrounding area can help. Contact us at (503) 661-2828 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Layers of the Teeth

The teeth consist of the enamel, dentin, and pulp. Enamel is the outer layer, which protects the inner layers of the tooth. The second layer is called the dentin, and it consists of tubules that act as a buffer between the enamel and the tooth’s innermost layer. The pulp is the last layer of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels that keep each tooth alive.

Proper maintenance of teeth is essential for protecting the different teeth layers. Even minor untreated fractures can result in severe issues. A tooth fracture will damage the enamel and cause the other layers of the teeth to become increasingly susceptible to harm. Patients with a fractured tooth should contact us as quickly as possible to protect their oral health.

" The teeth consist of the enamel, dentin, and pulp."

Types of Dental Root Fractures

A tooth fracture occurs when there is a break in the hard shell of a tooth. Although the enamel acts as a shield against disease and bacteria, a fracture can compromise this protective layer. If a crack is deep enough, germs can penetrate the pulp cavity and cause an infection.

There are several types of dental root fractures, including:

  • Oblique subgingival fractures
  • Oblique supragingival fractures
  • Oblique root fractures
  • Vertical apical fractures
  • Vertical furcation fractures
  • Vertical root fractures
" Although the enamel acts as a shield against disease and bacteria, a fracture can compromise this protective layer. "

Oblique Fractures

Subgingival Fractures

Oblique subgingival fractures extend below the gum line. The severity of the fracture depends on how far it has gone past the gum line. These fractures are usually painful as the fractured tooth usually remains in the gums after it breaks off. However, patients may have a subgingival fracture for years before feeling any pain.

Supragingival Fractures

This type of oblique fracture only affects the tooth’s crown and does not extend below the gum line. Usually, a supragingival fracture results in the affected part of the tooth breaking off. Patients typically experience little pain as the nerves and blood vessels of the pulp remain intact and undamaged. Although this fracture may not cause immediate pain, it can lead to infection or pain in the future without treatment.

Root Fractures

Oblique root fractures do not usually affect the surface of the tooth at all. The damage occurs below the gum line, particularly under the bone. While this classification of fracture is not visible, it is very painful. Patients with oblique root fractures may require root canal treatment or extraction, depending on how close the fracture is to the tooth fracture.
" If complications develop with the dental implant and restoration is necessary, the dentist will conduct an oral examination to determine the severity of the issues and the underlying cause."

Vertical Fractures

Apical fractures

Vertical apical fractures occur at the apex or tip of the tooth root. Many patients with vertical apical fractures ask for extraction because of the severe pain it causes. The severe pain is a result of tooth fragments placing pressure on the bone. Root canal therapy can help alleviate the pain, but some cases may require tooth extraction. Patients can discuss the best treatment option with our dentist.

Furcation fractures

When the roots of a tooth separate, a vertical furcation fracture occurs. This type of fracture almost always affects the tooth’s nerves. Patients affected by this fracture experience pain and difficulty with simple tasks like eating and speaking. Root canal therapy and a crown can usually save teeth affected by vertical furcation fractures as the tooth does not generally split completely.

Root Fractures

A vertical root fracture happens when part of the tooth root breaks off. This type of damage is not common and usually occurs in teeth with endodontic treatment like root canal therapy. An apicoectomy may save the tooth if the vertical root fracture is short. Extraction is usually the common treatment; however, various studies have attempted to reunite fractured roots with varying success rates.
" Vertical apical fractures occur at the apex or tip of the tooth root. "

Frequently Asked Questions

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