Cracking your tooth or breaking your tooth can be one of the worst experiences you will ever go through. It can be extremely painful and very frustrating. Whether caused by trauma, biting hard food, or long-term wear and tear, such damage often exposes the inner layers of the tooth, making it vulnerable to infection.
The most likely reason for cracking a tooth is due to the process of tooth decay over years and the constant use and wear of your teeth. When teeth are cracked or broken, they expose parts of your tooth that shouldn’t be exposed. Because of this, your tooth is susceptible to infection that can lead to severe pain.
One question that frequently comes up when your tooth is cracked or broken is: Can you get a root canal for a broken tooth?
Wondering if you need a root canal every time you severely break a tooth? Well, the answer is yes and no. The positive news is that today we can save teeth with modern dentistry that we would have thought lost centuries ago.
But that doesn’t mean the answer is always black and white. Let’s discuss when a root canal treatment will be your best option and what other options you have.
Understanding Broken and Cracked Teeth
Before you even begin treatment options you need to understand how deep the crack/fracture extends. Cracks/Fractures come in many forms. Some are minor and nothing to worry about. Others are severe and can cause the loss of the tooth.
- Minor cracks (Craze lines): Very superficial cracks that only affect the enamel. No major treatment is needed.
- Fractured cusps: Loss of enamel on the chewing surface of your tooth.
- Cracked tooth: A crack that has progressed deeper into the tooth. May or may not extend into pulp.
- Split tooth: A very serious problem where the tooth is splitting apart into pieces.
- Vertical root fracture: A crack that begins at the root moving upward.
But when this crack reaches the pulp, the innermost area of the tooth that contains the infection, then you are going to need a root canal.
That’s why we always recommend visiting your dentist on a regular basis for dental check-ups in Patna, so any issues can be identified early and treated before they become serious.
Can a Root Canal Save a Broken or Cracked Tooth?
Yes, definitely, in most cases.
Root canal treatment can save your broken tooth or cracked tooth when the pulp inside is damaged, but the tooth structure is still restorable.
During the treatment procedure, the infected pulp will be removed, and root canals will be cleaned, disinfected, and sealed so that reinfection doesn’t occur. After root canal treatment procedure is completed, your tooth can be saved by adding a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage.
But remember, it also depends on how deep the crack has gone into your tooth.
- If the crack is present only till a certain level and hasn’t split the tooth vertically into two parts. Your tooth can be restored by the root canal treatment procedure and placing a crown over it.
- If the crack has gone below the gum line or has split the tooth vertically in half. You will have to extract your tooth
Thus, it is very important to get yourself diagnosed and treated at the best dental clinic in Patna at the earliest.
Signs That a Broken Tooth May Need a Root Canal
A cracked or broken tooth does not always cause pain. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms it could mean that the pulp inside of the tooth is infected and needs a root canal:
- Constant tooth pain when chewing
- Throbbing pain from hot or cold that doesn’t go away
- Swelling around the tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Intermittent pain that cannot be explained
Visit the best dentist in Patna if you experience any of the above symptoms. The tooth can often be saved with quick intervention.
When a Root Canal May Not Be Possible?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate. However, there are times when a root canal treatment is not advisable.
- Deep cracks below the gum line.
- Tooth fracture where restoration of tooth is not possible.
- Bone loss around tooth is so much that.
- Vertical fracture of roots.
In these cases, extraction of the tooth is recommended followed by replacement options like dental implants, bridges, etc. However, the dentists will try to save your natural tooth as far as possible.
Based on your diagnosis at the time of dental check up, your dentist will suggest if a root canal treatment is possible or some other treatment is required.
The Importance of a Dental Crown After Root Canal
It’s common for broken or cracked teeth to require a root canal. If your tooth has gone through a root canal treatment, your dentist will most likely recommend you get a crown for it. Once a root canal is done, your tooth becomes weak.
Having a crown will:
- Restore strength to your tooth.
- Keep it from cracking or fracturing.
- Help you chew normally.
- Make your tooth look better.
If you do not get a crown after treatment, your tooth could break again. Crowns are usually needed after a root canal to assure your treatment will be successful in long-term .
How Dr. Aishwarya Helps in Treating Broken Teeth?
Treating broken cracked teeth starts with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan that is crafted according to your requirements.
Dr. Aishwarya diagnoses the severity of damage caused to your tooth with the help of high precision tools before prescribing you the best course of treatment.
Here’s how she will treat your broken tooth :
- Clinical and Radiographic Examination
- Diagnosis of depth of the crack and extent of pulp involvement
- Minimal tooth structure removal
- Discussing treatment plan that saves your natural teeth
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Use of advanced techniques to reduce discomfort during treatment
When it comes to treating damaged/fracture teeth in Patna, we take pride in the comprehensive care we provide at our clinic. We ensure you receive personalized service, as well as consider your tooth’s function and longevity when providing treatment.
Why Early Treatment Matters?
If you ignore the treatment of your broken tooth or crack tooth syndrome then things can get pretty bad.
A small crack can easily develop into something more severe over time as bacteria work their way into your tooth causing infection.
These cracks can lead to:
- Extreme discomfort/pain
- Infection in surrounding tissue
- Abscesses
- Loss of a tooth
Come see us right away. The sooner you get to our clinic, the better we can address your dental problem. The earlier you come in, the better chance we have of saving your tooth by performing a root canal. There is no reason you will have to lose that cracked or broken tooth.
Conclusion
It is not necessary that you need to lose a cracked or broken tooth.
Root canal treatment often successfully restores these teeth and makes them healthy again – if acted upon in time and the crack is not too deep. Early diagnosis, careful treatment planning and expert care are crucial.
So if your cracked tooth is hurting you, book an appointment today for a dental check up in Patna and save your natural tooth.
Advanced treatment options and customized care can help restore the function and health of your teeth with treatments like root canal treatment in Patna.
Dr. Aishwarya will guide you through the process and provide you with the best solution as per your condition. Visit the best dental clinic in Patna and leave those difficult dental issues behind with us.
