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Posted by momina abbassi - September 29, 2026
Often, a broken tooth root can be a major dental issue, even if you don’t feel any pain right away. Injury to the root may cause the tooth to lose stability, as well as the surrounding tissues. For some root fractures, treatment is possible, and for others, the treatment will include the extraction of the affected tooth.
If you think you have a fracture, do not dismiss it just because you can talk and eat. The question that needs to be asked is, can you live with a fractured tooth root? Yes, but the prognosis is dependent on where, how, and how badly the fracture has occurred.
What Causes a Tooth Root Fracture?
A tooth root can break due to an accident, sports injury, hard impact, or biting too hard. If there are any remaining natural structures, teeth that have been treated in the past may also be susceptible.
Root fractures may occur in various ways. A horizontal fracture can occur across the root, and a vertical root fracture can occur down the length of the root. Not all such injuries have the same prognosis, and a dentist needs to determine the type of injury before he or she recommends treatment.
What Are the Signs of a Fractured Root?
In some cases, the root fracture is apparent, and in other cases, it is hard to detect. Possible signs include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting; pain during chewing
- Gums that are swollen or tender around the tooth.
- Gingivitis close to the tooth roots
- A loose tooth
- A gum boil that has occurred repeatedly on or near the tooth
However, the symptoms can also be related to other dental issues. They are not sufficient to diagnose a fracture of the roots. A dentist will look at the tooth, check the gums, see if the tooth is sensitive to pressure, and take dental X-rays. In some cases, it is difficult to see the fracture on normal X-rays, and further tests or special imaging might be needed.
Can a Fractured Tooth Root Be Saved?
The answer depends on the type of fracture and how much healthy tooth structure remains.
Horizontal Root Fractures
If the horizontal fractures are treated properly, some of them may heal, especially those that are nearer the root tip. The dentist might be able to stabilise the tooth and then track it over time. The result will depend on the fracture’s position, the stability of the tooth, and whether there is any damage to the inner tissues.
Vertical Root Fractures
Vertical root fractures are harder to treat because the crack may allow bacteria to penetrate the surrounding tissues. This can result in infection, bone loss, and tooth loosening.
Extraction may be indicated for a single-rooted tooth if there is a vertical root fracture. In a few cases in which a fractured root is in a multi-rooted tooth, a specialist may be able to remove the fractured root and save the rest of the tooth. But this method doesn’t work for everyone.
What Happens If You Leave It Untreated?
If the fracture in the root is left untreated, it may permit an infection around the tooth. As this progresses, you can get more pain, swelling, gum issues, or loss of bone.
Treatment of a mild case may be delayed without compromising the chances of saving the tooth. If facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing is noted, obtain urgent medical or dental attention.
Avoid chewing on either side of the mouth until you can see a dentist. Never attempt to fix, push, or glue the tooth.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Can you live with a fractured tooth root? Treatment will be based on the diagnosis. Depending on the type of horizontal fracture, it may be recommended that this type of fracture be monitored and stabilised, or root canal treatment may be recommended if the fracture has compromised the inner tissues of the tooth and this remains restorable, or extraction may be necessary if the fracture is so severe that the tooth cannot be restored.
In case of extraction, there are options for replacement such as a dental implant, a bridge, or a removable denture. Your dentist will be able to tell you the benefits, drawbacks, and expense of each option.
Can You Live With a Fractured Tooth Root? Getting the Right Diagnosis
It is possible to live with a fractured root for a while, but this doesn’t imply it is safe to leave it untreated. The fracture may deteriorate or get infected without any early signs.
Dr. Huma Abbasi at Dental Aesthetic Studio will be able to review the tooth and evaluate the results of any tests or findings and discuss the options for treatment or referral to a specialist if necessary.
Conclusion
It is not always necessary to have a tooth removed because of a broken tooth root. Some fractures may heal or be treated, while others may need to be extracted to avoid complications. If you’re able to get a diagnosis early, you’ll have more information to work with.
Can you live with a fractured tooth root? Occasionally, but it’s best to get the tooth checked out immediately if it doesn’t cause pain. Talk to Dr. Huma Abbasi at Dental Aesthetic Studio to find out what is going on and what your next step should be to maintain your oral health.
