Can I Leave a Fractured Tooth Root In?
If you have broken a tooth, leaving the root in your gums, make an appointment to see your dentist to remove it.
Leftover tooth root fragments can create several problems if not treated accordingly. Even if you have had a tooth removed, and a piece of tooth root fragment remains, contact your dentist to remove the root. They will resolve your issue as soon as possible.
What Medical Concerns Can Leftover Tooth Fragments Cause?
The main concern regarding tooth fragments left in place is dental infections. Bacteria can cause swelling and abscesses in and around the fragments, leading to systemic problems such as Ludwig’s angina, which is a rapidly progressive infection causing airway obstruction. Although this condition is somewhat rare, leftover wisdom tooth fragments can cause this condition leading to your hospitalization.
What Is the Procedure to Remove Your Tooth Fragment?
- A local anesthetic is first applied to numb the immediate gum tissue area.
- Some bone around the tooth fragment might need to be removed with a dental handpiece.
- The fragment is removed with simple handheld instruments.
- The area is irrigated, and sutures are used to close the site.
Why Was There Tooth Root Left After the Extraction?
There are several reasons tooth fragments might have been left behind after a tooth extraction.
The primary reason is usually the inexperience of the dental office in removing a tooth, especially if the crown portion of the tooth breaks off. A tooth that needs to be removed with a large cavity will tend to break down, leaving the roots remaining underneath the gums. Unless the dentist is skilled in this type of extraction, they may not be able to retrieve the leftover tooth roots. If not removed immediately, this can lead to an infection, among other oral health and systemic problems.
Another reason tooth fragments are left behind is that the tooth root fragment is located near a nerve. Sometimes teeth roots are associated with nerves running through your jawbone. Retrieving these leftover fragmented roots may lead to permanent nerve damage. Analgesia, paresthesia, and a variety of other nerve issues can come from this, and therefore your dentist may leave these tooth fragments in place if they are too risky to remove.
The removal of a fractured root will probably take longer to heal than an extraction. Whichever treatment is provided, there will be a little trauma involved. Even though you will not feel it at the time of the procedure, the healing will involve some swelling. Your dentist will provide recovery and healing instructions to help you minimize the recovery process. If you think you might have a fractured root, contact your dentist as soon as possible and try to avoid biting or chewing in that area until an x-ray can confirm your suspicion.
Do not Wait to Seek Treatment
If you are dealing with discomfort or pain in your mouth for no obvious reason, then seek an evaluation with your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you hesitate, the condition might progressively get worse. A simple evaluation by your dentist can yield proper advice or recommendations.