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A broken tooth may cause pain, sensitivity, or chewing problems. But not all split teeth require a root canal. Treatment depends on the location of the fracture, depth of the fracture, and whether or not the inner pulp is involved.
Many people ask this question after considering root canal treatment in Islamabad, Pakistan Can a root canal fix a fractured tooth?In some cases, yes. A root canal can repair the damaged or infected pulp; it cannot repair the crack. This tooth will require another restoration like a crown to protect it.
What Happens When a Tooth Fractures?
A tooth may be brittle due to injury, chewing excessively tough foods, grinding, decay, or lack of tooth structure. The fracture could be just in the outer enamel, or deeper in the tooth.
If it’s a small chip, a bonding or other minor restoration process may be able to fix it. But if it’s a deeper crack, it may expose or affect the pulp. The American Association of Endodontists says that if a tooth has a fractured pulp, it may need root canal treatment, but if it is not damaged, a crown might be necessary to restore and protect the tooth.
Can a Root Canal Fix a Fractured Tooth?
Then, is it possible to repair a broken tooth with a root canal? It can repair the internal damage that has occurred from a crack, but it will not remove the crack itself.
During a root canal, the dentist takes out damaged or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. Canals are then cleaned, shaped, and sealed. After treatment, the tooth may require a crown or other appropriate restoration.
If the fracture goes below the gum line or into some root area, the tooth may not be salvageable. However, in these situations, extraction may be indicated.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
When a fracture lets bacteria into the pulp, a root canal might be needed. Symptoms can include:
- Pain when biting
- Hot or cold sensations
- Persistent toothache
- Gums around the tooth swell up.
- Tender gums
- Pain that comes and goes
Symptoms may be different, though. Before deciding to have root canal treatment, a dentist should examine the tooth.
Why Is a Crown Often Needed?
After root canal therapy, the tooth may need extra protection. This is particularly significant if a tooth already has a crack or fracture. Can a root canal fix a fractured tooth? A crown is a covering of the remaining tooth structure to protect it during normal chewing. The American Association of Endodontists says that a tooth that has been treated with a root canal will require a full coverage crown to help protect the tooth if it is cracked.
The answer to the question should not be taken as a straightforward yes or no issue when considering if a fractured tooth can be repaired with a root canal treatment. The root canal treats the problem inside the tooth, and the restoration treats the remaining tooth.
What If the Fracture Is Small?
Not all cracks are indications of a root canal. Depending on the situation, bonding and/or filling material or a crown may be appropriate for a minor chip or superficial crack.
However, a fractured cusp can not cause damage to the pulp and therefore may not require a root canal procedure.
That is why it’s crucial to get a dental evaluation early. If this is not done in a timely fashion, a crack can grow in length.
Dental Care at Dental Aesthetic Studio
Dr. Huma Abbasi can discuss fractured teeth and options at Dental Aesthetic Studio. She will inspect the affected tooth and decide if it might require a root canal, crown, filling, or some other method of treatment. Treatment will be based on the condition of the tooth and not just the fracture itself.
Final Thoughts
Can a root canal fix a fractured tooth? It will heal the damage to the pulp caused by some fractures, but not actually repair the crack. A crown or other restorations may be necessary to protect the tooth afterward.
If a tooth is cracked, do not eat on that side and get a dental checkup. Dr. Huma Abbasi at Dental Aesthetic Studio will evaluate the tooth and recommend the best treatment