Most Common Root Fractures in Teeth
It is not so rare for tooth fractures to occur - it is a problem that arises from very hard food, weakened teeth, or excessive force when biting. However, the story is different when we talk about broken tooth root. Also known as root fracture, it is exactly what the name says: when a break or fracture occurs at the root of one or more teeth. The root is the part of your tooth that is under the gum and attached to your jawbone.
After all, what is a broken tooth root?
A tooth root fracture is a problem that can be solved, but it depends on the severity of the fracture. Root fracture is an orthodontic problem characterized by the breakage of the tooth root, which may be one or more. Its severity varies according to the extent and location of the fracture, which is usually deep and difficult to access. Therefore, it is a problem that must be treated quickly since the tooth with a fractured root is susceptible to bacterial infiltration. This leads to resorption of the bone around the roots, which can cause the fractured tooth to be lost.
What are the types of root fracture?
Two main types of root fractures are identified: the vertical root fracture and the horizontal (oblique) root fracture. Vertical root fracture is the most dangerous, as it reaches from the root to the crown of the tooth (the outer edge outside the gum). Meanwhile, horizontal root fracture occurs when only a part of the root is broken. The most common root fracture is a vertical fracture in the second molar, but there are several types of root fractures, including:
- Oblique supragingival fracture
- Oblique subgingival fracture
- Vertical furcation fracture
- Vertical root fracture
- Vertical apical root fracture
It's important to know if the tooth broke or if it was just a bite. Cracks do not appear in a similar way in dental roots, as they have cementum, a layer that differs in thickness and resistance from enamel. Thus, a crack in the tooth root cannot even be diagnosed clinically and radiographically.
What are the main symptoms of fractured root?
The main symptom of a fractured root is usually pain when chewing. Other than that, it is also possible to have an abscess in the gum due to accumulated pus, if there is an infection of the dental pulp. Finally, the other symptoms that may arise are:
- Mobility of the tooth to the touch
- gum swelling
- Pain when touching the gum area where the root is located
- Detachment of the gingiva in the region close to the fracture
- Bleeding around the gum
And what are the main causes of tooth root fracture?
The main cause for this tooth fracture is usually dental trauma, i.e., falls and direct blows. It usually leads to fractures in the roots of the anterior teeth, rarely occurring in the posterior ones. Other than that, the other causes are:
- Bruxism: The act of clenching and grinding the teeth is commonly associated with cracks and fractures. It is even more common in posterior teeth with metal posts for dental prostheses.
- Root canal treatment: the exaggerated removal of tooth structure can also lead to fracture, especially without the presence of prosthetic crowns, dental restorations, or fiber posts
- Caries: bacterial infiltration of caries through restorations or dental prostheses can invade the roots and weaken them
- Metal prosthetic pin: used to anchor the prosthesis, it can also lead to fracture if subjected to great chewing effort. In more severe cases, split the back teeth in half
- Orthodontic problems: health problems in the dental arch can weaken the bone structure and lead to fracture
- Chewing: Biting into hard food can accidentally cause root fissures
Reach out today if you believe you have a root fracture. Early treatment can help in preventing extraction.