What Is Horizontal Root Fracture?
Teeth can be damaged in various ways, sometimes without visible signs on the crown. One of these injuries is a horizontal root fracture, where the tooth breaks across part of the root. Horizontal root fractures are among the most challenging dental injuries to treat. The location of the fracture, especially how far it is from the root tip, plays a crucial role in determining the type of treatment needed and the stability of the tooth.
Causes and Symptoms of Horizontal Root Fracture
In some cases, the tooth can be splinted to allow for reattachment and healing. However, the pulp in the fractured portion is at risk of dying, which could jeopardize the health of the rest of the tooth. If the pulp dies, root canal therapy in the affected area may be necessary to save the tooth. Additionally, the closer the fracture is to the gumline, the greater the risk of infection.
Don’t Put Off Treatment for a Problem Tooth
If you notice that a tooth feels unusually loose, is tender when chewing, or is bleeding around the gumline, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dr. McKissock and Dr. Kersten can evaluate the situation to determine if a horizontal root fracture or another issue is present and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Call us at (719) 488-2188 or email us to schedule an appointment.