Is your chipped tooth giving you too much trouble recently? Extreme sensitivity, random and intense toothaches, and infections can make a broken tooth a nuisance like no other. But you can preserve your oral health in this case with a broken tooth root canal.
Now, we know you’ve got a lot of questions on your mind! What does a dentist do for a broken tooth? Can you get a root canal on broken tooth? What does the process look like for a broken tooth root canal? Keep reading to find out all the answers you might have about a split tooth root canal!
What is a root canal?
Also known as endodontic therapy, a root canal is one of the most common dental treatments in the US. Around 15 million root canals are performed in the country with the most common patient group being between 22–44 in age.
The procedure aims to treat a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection.
Instead of simply extracting a damaged tooth, root canals remove the infected or damaged tissue. This allows patients to enjoy painless, natural, and strong oral health!
Signs of a broken tooth
A broken tooth will often bring a tell-tale group of signs that you can look out for. While it can happen due to any trauma, age, or grinding habits, here are some signs of a broken tooth:
- Swollen gums,
- Sharp pain when chewing,
- Toothache after waking up in the morning,
- Toothache that comes and goes frequently,
- Extreme sensitivity to cold and warm beverages.
If you’ve said yes to a majority of these symptoms of a broken tooth, chances are that you’ll need to head to the dentist. And when it comes to fixing these, one of your major questions might be, “Can a root canal be done on a broken tooth?”
Can you do a root canal on a broken tooth?
Yes, a root canal can be performed on a chipped or broken tooth. In fact, for a broken tooth, root canals are one of the most effective and popular solutions! The procedure can help you preserve your teeth while ensuring it doesn’t deteriorate further in the future.
Before you can get the procedure, your dentist will evaluate the feasibility of the root canal on your chipped tooth. After the evaluation, they can tell you the best course of action for your teeth.
Some factors in this evaluation are:
- Overall oral health,
- Overall tooth health,
- The extent of the break in your tooth,
- The condition of surrounding tissues, and
- Presence of any infection or inflammation.
Alternatives of root canal on broken tooth
Sometimes, a root canal can seem daunting, unpleasant, or even out-of-pocket for many patients with a chipped tooth. In that case, there are many popular alternatives to a root canal broken tooth can be fixed with!
Let’s take a look at 3 of the most common alternatives to a broken tooth root canal:
Dental implants
Dental implants are a popular alternative to root canal treatment for broken or missing teeth. They involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. This option is preferred by many patients thanks to its durability and natural appearance!
Dental crown
Another alternative to root canal treatment for a broken tooth is a dental crown. Many patients come in wanting us to draw a clear visual of dental crown vs root canal for cracked tooth.
A crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Many patients inquire about the differences between a dental crown and a root canal when considering treatment options for a cracked tooth.
Bridges
Bridges offer an alternative solution for broken teeth that may require root canal treatment. A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
This option is suitable for patients who have one or more missing teeth adjacent to the broken tooth, providing a fixed and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
FAQs
How long does a root canal take for a cracked tooth?
Usually, a root canal procedure takes between 30 minutes to an hour if your case is of normal severity. However, serious cases can take up to 90 minutes or even a second appointment if your dentist recommends getting a permanent filling for your tooth.
Will a cracked tooth still hurt after a root canal?
When it comes to a root canal, chipped tooth should not technically make you experience any pain. But if you do, it means you might have a widening crack that is causing tooth sensitivity, inflammation, and infection. All of these can ultimately cause pain, however the chances of these are slim.
How long can a broken tooth go untreated?
Dentists will generally suggest getting your cracked tooth repaired as soon as possible. You should keep in mind that a cracked tooth is an open source into deeper tissues that can get infected if bacteria seep into the crack. And that’s how you might have an emergency situation at hand!
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a chipped or broken tooth can be a bothersome experience, causing discomfort and affecting your oral health. Fortunately, a root canal procedure offers an effective solution to address the underlying issues and preserve your natural tooth.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as extreme sensitivity, sharp pain when chewing, or swelling of the gums, it’s essential to seek dental attention promptly. At Premier Dental, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to address your dental needs.
Whether you require a root canal or are exploring alternative treatment options for your broken tooth, we are here to help! Schedule a consultation with us today to receive the best treatment for your dental concerns.
