What Is a Dental Fracture | Emergency Dental Of Boise

Emergency Dental Clinics Of Boise • Aug 23, 2022

How To Avoid A Dental Fracture & Where To Get Immediate Treatment


If you've ever seen a cracked tooth or chipped tooth, you know exactly what a dental fracture is. Dental fractures affect both the hard outer surface of the tooth, called the enamel—soft inner layer, the dentin, which lies underneath it.


The visible portion of a tooth is called the crown, but it is only a portion of the tooth's entire structure. The rest of the tooth lies within the jawbone, called the root. The dentist will perform a series of tests to determine whether a tooth is fractured. Dental X-rays can be used to identify the severity and location of fractured teeth.


Whether a tooth is salvageable depends on the location and depth of the fracture line. Some fractures occur below the gum line and require imaging techniques to identify the area. However, if a tooth has been damaged deeply within the tooth root, the only option may be extraction. In this case, a dentist will use modern, gentle extraction techniques to save the tooth and avoid the risk of further damage to the mouth.

Types Of Dental Fractures And How They Affect Your Oral Health

There are several types of tooth fractures, ranging in severity from mild to severe. The location is important since it will determine the severity of the pain. A small chip on the surface may not cause any pain but a crack on the tooth's inner surface will. This movement can irritate the pulp inside the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. A large crack can reach deep into the pulp, which is the most sensitive part of the tooth.


Root Fracture

  • A fracture that affects the root of a permanent tooth. A vertical fracture involves a crack in the tooth's root, typically below the gum line. It can also spread upwards, causing a split in the tooth. Symptoms of a cracked tooth include sensitivity to hot and cold, or occasional sharp pain while chewing. This type of tooth fracture is best treated by a dentist.


Craze lines

  • Craze lines occur on the enamel only, sometimes it is called enamel violations. This fracture creates a line between enamel which does not affect the dentin layer. Each tooth has crevice lines, which can be seen in anterior teeth as vertical striations.


Fractured Cusp

  • It is simply defined as a complete or incomplete fracture of the crown. The cusp varies in size and severity. The buccal and lingual cusps of the upper and lower molars are the two cuspal locations that are frequently damaged.


Cracked Tooth

  • The fractured is completely contained within the tooth's crown and can be spread vertically into the tooth's root. A crack is often seen in the center of the tooth, which is more likely better than a shattered cusp.


Split Tooth

  • It is a full fracture that occurs from the crown extending subgingivally. It is commonly spread to both marginal ridges and the proximal root. The tooth parts have been completely split apart.


Why Choose Affordable Emergency Dental Care In Boise

Several types of fractures can affect the tooth. Some are more serious than others. The most common is a horizontal or vertical fracture. It can be quite painful and make it difficult to use the tooth for basic functions. It can also require root canal treatment, which may be necessary if the tooth is affected by infection or pulp death. Contact a dentist to help you save your tooth!


The location of the fractured tooth can be difficult to determine. Some are easy to spot on X-rays, while others require a cone beam CT scan. Special tools can be used to identify cracks, which may cause bacterial migration. In some cases, the extent of the crack on the surface of the enamel does not correlate with the fracture apically. The symptoms experienced by the patient are not consistent. For some patients, there may be sensitivity to heat or cold and discomfort when chewing or swallowing.


You might also like

emergency pediatric boise
By Emergency Dental Clinics Of Boise 11 Dec, 2023
Unexpected dental woes? Reach out to the best 24-hour emergency dentist in Boise for prompt, friendly, and efficient dental care at any time. Contact us today!
24hours emergency dentist boise
By Emergency Dental Clinics Of Boise 10 Dec, 2023
Unexpected dental woes? Reach out to the best 24-hour emergency dentist in Boise for prompt, friendly, and efficient dental care at any time. Schedule your appointment at 208-266-7721.
emergency dental boise
By Emergency Dental Clinics Of Boise 09 Dec, 2023
Understanding when a situation calls for emergency wisdom tooth removal can save you from severe pain. Discover the signs and steps to take here with Emergency Dental Boise.
More Posts

Book a Service Today

Share by: