What happens if your tooth breaks after a root canal? Broken devitalized tooth, what to do? What are the possible causes of a broken root canal? How to treat a broken root canal? What repairs and treatments should I choose for a broken root canal? What to do until you get to the dentist? Why does a root canal sometimes continue to hurt? And finally, what is the approximate cost of repairing a broken tooth?
I. What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a tooth from which the nerve has been removed. This does not mean that the tooth has become a dead organ.
It is still connected by a ligament to the bone and continues to receive blood flow.
In other words, the tooth does not necrose and continues to live. The tooth has become insensitive because the nerve has been destroyed.
II. Causes of a Broken Devitalized Tooth (Canaled Root Tooth)
The main cause of a broken tooth is devitalization. It is quite common when a dental disease or a cavity turns the tooth into an “eggshell”.
Indeed, because of the decay, the tooth becomes empty and the walls become fragile and thin and a little is enough to break it. A devitalized tooth breaks little by little before it completely fractures.
Other factors can cause a root canal to break. This can happen if you chew food that is too hard if you have an accident or fall while riding a motorcycle or bicycle, if you grind your teeth repeatedly or if you clench your jaw involuntarily.
III. What Happens if Your Tooth Breaks After a Root Canal?
The treatment for a broken root canal depends largely on how your tooth broke.
- If the tooth pulp is affected but not damaged, the dentist can fix the tip of the tooth that you kept. If the pulp is not damaged, the dentist will create a replica and fix it with a high-strength resin. And if it is affected at a certain level, the dentist will first devitalize the tooth, and make a new one with resin. Finally, he will place a prosthetic crown if necessary.
- If the root has been affected, the broken tooth will have to be extracted. The dentist can use one of three solutions: placing a dental bridge, which is the least expensive solution but can be painful and can be removed at any time. The second solution is to place a removable appliance that is held in place by clasps or a metal plate. The last solution is to place an implant whose root will be used to hold the crown.
- If the tooth is broken below the gum line, which happens quite rarely, the dentist will first remove the tooth before placing a new crown to strengthen the tooth.
The dentist may also decide to perform a root canal. This type of treatment is recommended when the pulp is affected and the tooth hurts.
The dentist may also decide to perform a root canal if the pulp is affected and the tooth hurts, and if the outside of the tooth and its support are in good condition and it is not needed for chewing.
In this case, the natural shell of the tooth is removed by taking out all the vital parts. The patrician will then begin the installation of the metal rod or the reconstruction of the tooth.
If the tooth breaks into small pieces, it is simply replaced.
IV. Which Repairs and Treatments to Choose for a Broken Root Canal Tooth
1. Ceramic
This is a substance that is recommended for restoring large cavities. And it is one of the alternatives to heal fragile teeth. Ceramic allows the tooth to regain its original strength.
All it takes is a visit to the dentist to have it made. Ceramic is also more durable, stronger than other materials, and resistant to wear and tear. However, it is more expensive.
2. Dental crown
This is the recommended solution if the teeth need to be completely rehabilitated and if the tooth is weakened.
The dentist will reconstruct the inside of the tooth using a composite or ceramic. However, it is recommended to go through the laboratory for a better result.
The dental crown offers lasting protection. And thanks to it, you will regain the chewing function of the jaw.
There is only one disadvantage: the procedure is expensive and not well covered by social security.
3. Composite
This is the recommended solution when the cavity to be repaired is more than half the width of the broken tooth.
The patrician cleans the surface and seals it with a liquid resin. The composite is then inserted using intense light.
The main advantage of the composite is that it is naturally white and 100% biocompatible. In addition, it is a very economical solution.
However, the lifespan of this material does not exceed 8 years and it can wear out more quickly if you grind your teeth.
V. What to Do While Waiting to Go to the Dentist
If your tooth is broken, the first thing to do is to get the piece of tooth, which can be fixed by the dentist.
You can keep this piece of tooth in a glass of milk or wrap it in a synthetic or plastic film.
It should be noted that a broken tooth requires an emergency consultation to avoid infection of a devitalized tooth.
However, if the pain is not intense, or if you do not have swelling, it can wait a few days.
But some precautions must be respected: you must avoid chewing on the broken tooth, you must clean it and fill the hole with a dental bandage available in the pharmacy.
VI. How to Avoid Breaking a Tooth
To avoid breaking a tooth, good dental hygiene is the basis. Teeth may become more fragile with time, but with good dental hygiene, you limit the damage.
If you have children at home, in addition to good dental hygiene, you should teach them safety procedures if they are old enough to understand. If they are younger, please keep them safe.
Athletes should wear customized dento-maxillary protectors. These protections are made in dental offices with precise impressions.
VII. Why a Root Canal Sometimes Continues to Hurt?
Once your tooth has been devitalized, it is no longer sensitive. Whether it is too cold, hot, or salt. But it can become fragile over time. That’s why dentists recommend crowning it.
A devitalized tooth may hurt. This happens when the decay has irreversibly affected the nerve or if a broken root canal tooth moves.
VIII. Price of Repair of a Broken Root Canal
To devitalize a tooth, it is necessary to count at least $500 for the front teeth, $1000 for the premolars, and a little more than $1500 for the molars for a devitalization.
To repair a broken tooth with a composite, the minimum price is $100. For dental crowns and ceramics, the average price is $800 and can sometimes go up to $3000.
Note that these prices depend on the dentist and the location of the dental practice. You can see some significant differences.
Useful Links:
Root canal treatment (endodontics)
What are some symptoms that indicate you may need root canal treatment?
Dental Bone Grafting: Risks and Complications?