I broke both front teeth today. The roots are still intact. I’m checking into an emergency appointment for a dentist to examine them. I know I can get a partial or a bridge, but are root canals and crowns an option, too? Thanks – Kyle

Kyle,

Although Dr. Perry would need to examine and x-ray your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, it may be possible to save broken front teeth with root canals and crowns.

Saving Broken Front Teeth with Root Canal Treatment

Depending on the extent of damage to your broken front teeth, root canal treatment may save them. But not all dentists are willing—or know how—to save teeth with severe breaks. And with the availability of dental implants, most dentists will recommend extractions and implants. A dentist who is interested in preserving your natural teeth might take the following steps if it’s an option:

• Complete root canal treatment to remove the tooth pulp and prevent infection
• Put two flexible posts in each root canal tooth to add strength and resistance to rotational forces
• Attach a crown to the posts

Risks with Posts and Crowns

One risk with post-supported crowns is that rigid metal posts can crack tooth roots. Force on a post can transfer deep into tooth roots and crack them. Many dentists who perform this procedure prefer flexible posts for front teeth, like carbon fiber or fiberglass. Flexible posts are more likely to absorb the stress without breaking your tooth roots.

We recommend that you look for a dentist with advanced experience and training. Saving your teeth with posts and crowns might not be an option, though. And if a dentist is not experienced with the technique, insisting that they use it anyway can cause more harm than good.

Remember your options:

• Root canal and posts
• Tooth extractions with a dental bridge, implants, or a partial denture

Please do your research to find two experienced dentists who will see you when their office opens. Get their opinions on treatment options and the results you can expect and schedule treatment promptly. Don’t let the problem linger because it can get worse.

 

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.