All You Need to Know About Tooth Fractures

Dental fractures are not uncommon. They are a problem that affects people across age groups. However, they are more common in patients aged 25 and above. Dental fractures are observed along with other oral injuries. Early diagnosis and management can enhance tooth survival and its functionality. The issue with dental fractures is that they are hard to diagnose. But once diagnosed, they are typically easy to treat.

Four Types of Dental Fractures

Oblique Supragingival Fracture

The oblique supragingival fracture occurs above the gums and happens when people bite with too much force. It is difficult to diagnose cases of oblique supragingival fracture as the pain caused by this fracture recedes quite quickly, i.e., as soon as the broken part of the tooth gets dismantled. It is normal for the individual who has this fracture to experience some kind of soreness. The pain is, however, negligible. These oblique supragingival fractures are also easily repairable. However, an individual must know when the fractured part is too big. A dentist can suggest putting a crown for minimizing the chances of such fractures in the future.

Oblique Subgingival Fracture

The oblique subgingival fracture affects the area below the gum line. This type of fracture causes terrible pain, the kind of pain that would not go away unless the fractured tooth is extracted. When someone gets an oblique subgingival fracture, the broken tooth remains stuck within the socket, which results in pain. Oblique subgingival fractures do not affect the nerves. However, an individual suffering this fracture may need to undergo root canal therapy to treat the tooth. More importantly, if the fracture is below the gum line, saving the tooth can become almost impossible.

Oblique Root Fracture

The Oblique Root Fracture affects the area underneath the bone and gum. If the fracture occurs near the crown, it can be fatal. If an oblique root fracture is close to the tooth crown, saving a tooth becomes next to impossible as the fracture inevitably causes the bones to become abscessed.

Vertical Apical Root Fracture

The type of fracture is the most painful. It affects the root of the teeth and creates unbearable pressure on the bone. This is the reason why this fracture is extremely painful. The pain does not go away even when a root canal is removed. The right way to treat vertical apical root fracture is to get a root canal done. During the root canal, a dentist extracts the dead part. This starts healing the pain.

Concluding Remarks

Dental fractures are not uncommon, and they are almost always painful. More importantly, left untreated, they may even become life-threatening. Thus, if you experience excessive tooth pain or soreness, avoid delaying a visit to your dentist. The only way to get a tooth fracture diagnosed is to see the dentist. Once the dentist has figured out the kind of fracture you have been dealing with, they will be able to guide you and fix the issue sooner.

For more information regarding your dental health,  please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today!  We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!