Vertical Root Fracture: Causes and Treatments
A vertical root fracture is one of the most challenging dental conditions to detect and one of the most important issues to catch early. These subtle cracks can develop deep within the tooth’s root, often without obvious symptoms. If left untreated, they can cause infection, bone loss, and serious complications.
In this post, we’ll explore what a vertical root fracture is, how it’s diagnosed, and why early intervention is so important for your oral health.
What is a vertical root fracture?
A vertical root fracture is a crack or fissure that begins in the tooth root and extends upward toward the cervical line and crown.
What causes a vertical root fracture?
Anything that places excessive stress on the tooth may cause a vertical fracture, including:
Overfilling or extreme force during root canal treatments
Repeated dental procedures
Trauma or injury
Excessive pressure from chewing or grinding your teeth
Large restorations or dental crowns
Age-related changes and weakened tooth structures
Anatomical abnormalities
How can you tell if you have a vertical root fracture?
Unlike a cracked tooth, cavity, or dry socket that’s immediately apparent, a vertical root fracture can be hard to diagnose, even with the best diagnostic tools. That’s because the visual signs may exist entirely below the gum line. Here are common symptoms:
Persistent pain and swelling
A narrow gum pocket near one side of the tooth
A loose tooth
Recurring infections
Radiolucency, or a dark shadow present in X-rays
How painful is a vertical root fracture?
In the early stages, a vertical fracture may only cause mild or intermittent pain when you bite down (or no pain at all). As it progresses, bacteria and inflammation can affect the periodontal ligament, causing severe nerve pain. Eventually, you may experience bone loss and dangerous infections, leading to a less desirable prognosis.
Related: What Is a Bruised Tooth and How Is It Treated?
How is a vertical root fracture treated?
Unfortunately, a simple filling isn’t enough to treat this condition. In fact, it’s usually impossible to repair a vertical root fracture at all. However, your dentist may suggest a treatment protocol including:
Root resection
When a vertical tooth fracture is limited to a single molar root, it may be possible to amputate the affected root and preserve the rest of the structure. This treatment is rare and only pursued if the rest of the tooth is healthy and well supported.
Splinting and bonding
Horizontal tooth fractures at a shallow depth may be stabilized with a splint or bond, but this is usually unsuccessful for vertical fractures. This is because it compromises structural integrity and fails to protect against harmful bacteria. If your dentist diagnoses you with a vertical fissure and suggests bonding, consider seeking treatment elsewhere.
Tooth extraction
Once a tooth is fractured, bacteria can infiltrate the root, nerves, and surrounding tissues. Extraction is often required to avoid spreading infection. Your provider may then replace the missing tooth with a prosthetic, such as a dental implant, to prevent bone loss.
Read more: How To Know If You Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction
Importance of detecting a vertical root fracture early
As with many other oral health concerns, prevention is the ideal cure, but the next best solution is early detection. Here’s why it’s so important to identify and address a vertical tooth fracture as soon as possible:
Minimizes bone loss
A vertical tooth fracture creates a direct path for harmful bacteria that live on your gums to access the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone. If left untreated, this can cause chronic infection and break down the alveolar bone. In turn, this can threaten the stability of surrounding teeth.
Preserves the integrity of the jawbone
Eventually, that decay can reach your jawbone, the underlying structure that holds your teeth in place. When a vertical root fracture is caught early, this tissue may be unaffected. If bone loss has already occurred, a minor bone graft may be enough to salvage your jaw and preserve your oral function and natural facial aesthetics.
Faster diagnosis and treatment
The longer a vertical root fracture goes undetected, the more complicated and costly the treatment can get. While most of these fractures will require extraction, treating the condition promptly can minimize the risk of infection, severe pain, and additional complications.
To achieve the best possible outcome, exercise caution by visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings and reaching out right away when you notice any discomfort.
Related: Preventive Dental Care: What It Is and Why You Need It
Don’t delay treatment for a vertical root fracture. Call Coral Reef Dental today!
Although a vertical root fracture can be hard to identify and diagnose, it’s far easier to manage when addressed early on. If you’ve noticed persistent pain, swelling, or ongoing issues (especially with a tooth that’s already undergone treatment), it’s essential to act quickly.
The team at Coral Reef Dental can help you get to the root of your problem and offer solutions to maintain your vibrant smile. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!