Undergoing or experiencing a fractured tooth can be gut-wrenching. Dental trauma not only affects you physically but also mentally. But also to mention, it’s not always trauma to be blamed, there are innumerable causes that can lead your tooth to fracture such as: clenching, grinding, biting on nuts, substantial weakening after a root canal treatment, caries, hefty masticatory forces etc.
In many conditions a fractured tooth can be saved & this completely depends upon how severe a fracture is. The severity of a fracture depends upon its extent.
Types of fracture include:
- Craze lines: a craze line is a vertical hairline crack that involves only the outer portion of the tooth i.e. enamel. Unless there is a cosmetic concern, craze lines do not require any dental treatment.
- Fractured cusp: a cusp might fracture due to heavy masticatory forces; any high points post restoration or due to parafunctional habits. When the fracture involves the pulp, root canal treatment will be the treatment to be considered.
- Cracked tooth: is an incomplete fracture that begins from the crown & extends subgingivally. It might cause damage to the pulp & could worsen the condition if not treated on time.
- Split tooth: if a cracked tooth left untreated, it usually leads to split tooth. In such cases most of the teeth needs extraction.
- Vertical root fracture: the fracture starts in the root & spreads up towards the chewing surface. It often goes unnoticed unless the gums around tooth are inflamed or damage needs a corrective treatment.
How to diagnose a fractured tooth?
Early diagnosis leads to successful restorative management & predictable prognosis. To find a fractured tooth can be extremely challenging as it can be misunderstood with sinusitis, TMJ disorder, headache, ear pain etc. Lower molars & upper premolars are the most commonly involved.
Patient often presents with a history of pain on biting on a particular tooth. Also, experiences sensitivity to thermal changes. It is also crucial to record that there can be occasion when the patient may be asymptomatic for an extended period of time. A cracked tooth cannot be readily seen by the naked eyes, hence other examinations include: tactile examination, percussion test, periodontal probing, dye test, transillumination with a fiber-optic light, bite test, radiographs, microscopic detection etc.
Treatment
Filling/bonding
If the fracture is small enough, it can be repaired by filling. If it involves anterior tooth/teeth, tooth-coloured composite resin can be used to correct the disfigurement.
Dental crown
In case of considerable damage, where simple filling won’t correct the problem, a dental crown is the right option to rectify the issue. A dental crown restores the shape & functionality of your tooth by making it esthetically pleasing & strengthening it.
Veneers
In case of broken or chipped off front tooth porcelain veneers are the ideal treatment to be offered that precisely restores the original shape, size & color of teeth.
Root canal treatment
In case of extensive fracture, pulp usually gets involved that further leads to increase in pain, sensitivity, discolouration & even pulp necrosis. Hence, in case you perceive any of these symptoms, then you might need to undergo a root canal treatment.
Dental implants
In case of fatal fracture that extends subgingivally usually requires extractions. Once the fractured tooth is extracted, dental implants in Delhi is the favourable treatment to be offered in order to restore the missing tooth & prevent further bone loss.
Finding & treating a fractured tooth early is of vital importance.
Do you have a fractured tooth?
We can help you determine the severity of your fractured tooth as well. Or, even if you do not have a fractured tooth, do not wait for the catastrophe to happen, schedule an appointment at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Institute to seek preventative & protective measures.
