What is a vertical root fracture?
A vertical root fracture, a crack that originates at the root of a tooth and extends vertically toward the gumline, completely separating the tooth and the root pulp within, occurs in teeth that have had previous root canal treatment. In addition, in nonrestored teeth, trauma or impact to the face and mouth can also lead to a vertical root fracture.
Symptoms of a vertical root fracture
Teeth with this kind of fracture can sometimes develop pain, swelling, or other symptoms, but they may also be completely asymptomatic. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see your dentist right away:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Swelling around a tooth
- A loose tooth
- A draining sinus tract near a tooth
- A crack in a tooth
Causes of a vertical root fracture
The most common causes of a vertical root fracture include:
Previous root canal treatment, trauma or impact to the face or mouth, bruxism (teeth grinding), and age can all weaken teeth and make them more susceptible to fracture.
Diagnosis of a vertical root fracture
To diagnose a vertical root fracture, your dentist will perform a thorough clinical examination and take X-rays. Moreover, in some cases, your dentist may also recommend a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan to get a more detailed view of the fracture.
Treatment for a vertical root fracture
Treatment options for a vertical root fracture vary depending on the nature or location of the fracture, but may include:
- Monitoring: If the fracture is small and not causing any symptoms, your dentist may monitor it regularly to see if it changes.
- Bonding: If the fracture is small and confined to the crown of the tooth, your dentist may be able to bond the tooth together using a special adhesive material.
- Root canal therapy: If the fracture extends into the root canal, your dentist may perform root canal therapy to clean and seal the canal, remove any infected tissue, and prevent further infection.
- Crown: If the fracture is extensive, your dentist may recommend placing a crown over the tooth to support and protect it.
- Extraction: If the fracture is too severe to be repaired, or if the tooth is no longer viable, your dentist may recommend extracting the tooth
Prevention of a vertical root fracture
Treatment options for a vertical root fracture vary depending on the nature or location of the fracture, but may include the following:
- Monitoring:Â If the fracture is small and not causing any symptoms, your dentist may monitor it regularly to see if it changes.
- Bonding:Â If the fracture is small and confined to the crown of the tooth, your dentist may be able to bond the tooth together using a special adhesive material.
- Root canal therapy:Â If the fracture extends into the root canal, your dentist may perform root canal therapy to clean and seal the canal, remove any infected tissue, and prevent further infection.
- Crown:Â If the fracture is extensive, your dentist may recommend placing a crown over the tooth to support and protect it.
- Extraction:Â If the fracture is too severe to be repaired, or if the tooth is no longer viable, your dentist may recommend extracting the tooth.
Additional information:
Vertical root fractures are more common in older adults. Additionally, they can occur in any tooth, but are most common in molars and premolars. Vertical root fractures can be difficult to diagnose, especially if they are small and not causing any symptoms. However, if left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss.
We understand that a fracture on your teeth can be a scary and confusing experience. We want to assure you that you are not alone. Many people experience this condition, and there are treatments available that can help. We urge you to reach out to your dentist right away so they can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. Or you can contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you with any of your dental needs. [https://calendly.com/sbenatidentistry/interview]
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