Question: What is a root fracture and can the tooth be saved?
Explanation: A root fracture is a break in the portion of the tooth below the gum line, involving dentine, cementum, and pulp. It cannot be seen directly and is diagnosed radiographically, often needing several angled radiographs. The crown may feel loose or appear slightly displaced. Prognosis depends heavily on the fracture’s position. Fractures near the apex have a good outlook. Those near the gum margin have a poor one, since the coronal fragment cannot be stabilised. Treatment involves repositioning the coronal fragment and splinting for four weeks or longer.
Related Questions:
Why do root fractures need several X-rays?
A fracture line is only visible when the X-ray beam passes almost parallel to it. A single view frequently misses the fracture entirely. Taking two or three images at differing vertical angles substantially increases detection rates.
Does a root fracture always mean losing the tooth?
No. Apical and mid-root fractures often heal, either with hard tissue, connective tissue, or bone bridging the fragments. Cervical fractures, close to the crest of bone, carry the poorest prognosis and frequently result in loss of the coronal fragment.
How long does splinting take for a root fracture?
Four weeks for most root fractures, extended up to four months for fractures in the cervical third. This is markedly longer than for luxation injuries because the fragments need time to unite or stabilise.
« Back to Glossary Index