Must halfway broken front teeth be extracted? The tooth roots are still there. Will a root canal and caps work, or will I need extractions? I hope you get this message. I’m trying to get a dental appointment today. Jehu
Jehu,
We understand your concerns and hope you were able to see a dentist promptly. Immediate care increases the chances of saving a half-broken tooth.
Must Half-Broken Front Teeth Be Extracted?
Half-broken teeth don’t always require extraction. A dentist may be able to save the tooth with root canal treatment, a dental post, and a crown (cap). Whether a dentist can save a tooth depends on the extent of damage, the patient’s bite, and the dentist’s attitude about saving a tooth with a severe break.
Rotational force on a tooth can loosen a tooth post, so skilled dentists may use two posts in the root to help the tooth withstand biting forces. A rigid post can break the tooth because the rigidity will transfer into the tooth and crack its root. Therefore, a dentist must choose a carbon fiber, fiberglass post, or similar material—flexible for biting and the functions of front teeth. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities.
We recommend consulting a dentist skilled in root canal therapy or an endodontist (root canal specialist) to determine whether your tooth is savable. Otherwise, it may require extraction and a dental implant. See a periodontist (dental implant specialist) for expert implant placement and bone grafting if your tooth is unsavable.
Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.