So, you just got a root canal and the tooth suddenly breaks, what should you do? First, do not panic! There are several ways to approach this problem, but you have to be alert and calm so you would know the best solution for it.
Ideally, you should call your dentist first to schedule an emergency visit. This is considered an urgent dental concern, so your dentist should be able to tend to you as soon as you arrive. However, if you are unable to visit your dentist as soon as possible, call them and ask for a temporary solution— fortunately, there are many makeshift fixes that you can do until you can visit your dentist.
Why a Root Canal Tooth Might Break?
Root canal treatment is considered to be a highly effective procedure to save a severely decayed, damaged, or infected tooth. However, there are many situations that may make a certain root canal case more prone to breakage than the other. Here are some common reasons why a root canal might break:
Loss of tooth structure due to decay or damage prior to treatment
The lesser the amount of healthy tooth structure left before treatment, the more likely that the tooth will break even with proper root canal treatment and restoration. This is because of poor tooth strength that may not be enough to support the long-term success of the treatment.
Weakened tooth from the removal of pulp
The pulp is the life of the tooth. It provides nutrients to the tooth that keeps it healthy and alive. With the removal of the pulp in root canal treatment, the tooth will be more brittle and prone to breakage.
Lack of protective restoration
A crown can provide functional and structural repair to a brittle tooth after root canal procedure. But, some patients opt out of getting a crown due to various reasons. This can risk damage to the tooth.
External trauma or excessive force on the tooth
A root canal treated tooth is not as strong as your natural tooth. If it is subjected to blunt trauma or heavy chewing forces, it is likely to break easily.
Types of Breaks in Root Canal Teeth
There are several types of breaks that can occur to a tooth after undergoing root canal. These can vary in type and severity— from superficial cracks to more serious tooth breakage.
- Minor chips – this involves small cracks or chips that are mostly an aesthetic concern. Repair can be done quickly and easily using tooth-coloured dental fillings to restore the appearance of the tooth.
- Fractures above the gumline – Larger, visible fractures not only affect the visual appeal of the tooth, but it can also make chewing and biting difficult. Repair should be done as soon as possible to prevent the fracture from getting worse.
- Fractures below the gumline – These are serious breaks to the tooth that can compromise stability. Proper assessment is crucial to determine if the tooth can still be repaired.
- Vertical root fractures – This is the worst type of break, with a crack that runs from the biting surface down to the root of the tooth. Vertical fractures are often irreparable.
What To Do If Your Root Canal Tooth Breaks
A broken root canal tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and even tooth movement. If you encounter this situation, here is a step-by-step guide on what you can do:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Check for signs of pain, sensitivity, bleeding, sharp edges due to chipped off tooth or crown, and tooth movement. If you can save any broken pieces, do so. Your dentist will assess if it can still be put back.
Step 2: Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Then, call your dentist to schedule an emergency visit. The earlier you can get a professional assessment, the better the chances that your dentist can save the tooth. Prompt treatment also prevents the risk for infection and further damage. During your dental visit, your dentist will determine the best treatment plan— whether it is simple restorative repair, crown replacement, or tooth extraction.
Step 3: Apply Temporary Measures
But, if you cannot visit your dentist right away, here’s what you can do as temporary solution:
- Avoid chewing with the broken tooth.
- Take over-the-counter medications if you are experiencing pain.
- Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater for disinfection.
- Use a dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp edges, if there are any.
Treatment Options For a Broken Root Canal
Depending on the type of break on your treated tooth, here are some treatment options that your dentist may recommend:
- Minor breaks may be repaired with cosmetic bonding or filling. This is a quick and painless fix to restore the natural shape and function.
- Breaks above the gumline are usually treated with the placement of a crown to increase structural support to the tooth, allowing it to function as normal as possible.
- Breaks below the gumline are assessed to determine if root repair or extraction is necessary.
- Severe cases involving vertical root fractures can no longer be treated with restoration because of tooth mobility. The tooth must be removed and replacement options are considered after (dental bridge, denture, or implant).
Long-Term Care for Root Canal Treated Teeth
Future-proofing a tooth after undergoing root canal involves several key steps that mostly involve proper hygiene maintenance and prevention of complications.
Crowns provide the best restoration
A dental crown is the ideal restoration after getting a root canal and will increase the long-term success of the treatment. A crown effectively provides full protection, structural and functional repair, and a natural appearance to a previously damaged tooth.
Good oral hygiene prevents dental diseases
Brushing and flossing twice a day prevents build-up of plaque, food, and bacteria that may cause problems such as decay and infection.
Regular dental visits help identify and treat problems early
It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months. Routine dental check-ups help your dentist spot early signs of potential issues on your root canal tooth and provide treatment before they get worse.
Conclusion
When a root canal tooth breaks, it is important that you act quickly. This can make all the difference between simple treatments, such as a cosmetic filling or a crown replacement, or losing your tooth when the damage has spread.
If you broke a root canal tooth and do not know what to do, call us at Chinook Dental Group! We can schedule you for an emergency dental visit so our dental team can assess your case and provide you with proper treatment.