Types of Dental Root Fractures New York, NY
Each layer of the tooth plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy and happy. Whether it be from injury or general wear and tear, a dental root fracture can cause discomfort and pain. The sooner your tooth receives treatment, the better the outcome will be.
If you suspect that you have a fractured tooth, do not hesitate to protect your oral health. Our team at Glassman Dental Care in New York and the surrounding area can help. Contact us at (212) 786-6884 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Layers of the Teeth
The teeth consist of the enamel, dentin, and pulp. Enamel is the outer layer, which protects the inner layers of the tooth. The second layer is called the dentin, and it consists of tubules that act as a buffer between the enamel and the tooth's innermost layer. The pulp is the last layer of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels that keep each tooth alive.
Proper maintenance of teeth is essential for protecting the different teeth layers. Even minor untreated fractures can result in severe issues. A tooth fracture will damage the enamel and cause the other layers of the teeth to become increasingly susceptible to harm. Patients with a fractured tooth should contact us as quickly as possible to protect their oral health.
“The teeth consist of the enamel, dentin, and pulp.”
Root Fracture Types
Root fractures occur when the crack involves the dentin, cementum, and pulp. They typically separate into two types—oblique and vertical. A vertical root fracture involves the entire length of the tooth or just a section of it. An oblique root fracture occurs when the crack runs along the tooth length. Vertical and oblique root fractures require different treatment approaches with varying levels of success.
A fracture that goes deep into the layers of the tooth can affect the health of the entire tooth and even the ones surrounding it. A root fracture exposes the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria, leading to an infection. An untreated infection can lead to extreme discomfort while chewing and sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
“Root fractures are when the crack involves the dentin, cementum, and pulp.”
Oblique Fractures
An oblique fracture runs across the length of the tooth and presents in three categories.
Supragingival
A crack that occurs across the tooth length above the gum line is called an oblique supragingival fracture. While there may not be immediate discomfort, it can lead to an infection if left untreated. In addition, since this type of fracture typically involves the tooth surface, continuing to chew with this fracture type will eventually exacerbate the condition.
Subgingival
An oblique subgingival fracture is when the crack involves more of the tooth. It may even extend down the root, below the gum line, and into the jawbone. You can expect intense pain with this type of fracture to the point where it will be hard to eat or speak. This kind of root fracture can also involve the nerves of the tooth.
Oblique Root Fracture
An oblique root fracture is a crack limited to the roots of the teeth, leaving the top portion of the tooth unaffected. The fractured root presents totally below the gum line and sometimes totally within the bone. The location of this type of fracture will determine whether or not the tooth can be restored.
“An oblique fracture runs across the length of the tooth and presents in three categories.”
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Vertical Fractures
A vertical root fracture is when the tooth has a crack running from top to bottom. These fractures start at the root of the tooth and run toward the crown. Since this type of fracture does not typically exhibit any signs or symptoms, it can go unnoticed.
The different types of vertical root fractures include:
Furcation
A vertical furcation fracture involves a crack that extends to the tooth where it splits into two or more separate roots. The nerve is often involved in this type of crack. This is a painful type of fracture and will make the tooth virtually impossible to use.
Apical
A fracture that occurs directly down the middle of the tooth and root is called an apical fracture. This is a painful fracture that will require the patient to come in for a dental appointment. Sometimes a root canal can be used to save the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture is when part of the tooth root breaks off. This is often due to brittle roots from nerve death in the tooth. A previous root canal procedure can also cause this kind of fracture.
Vertical fractures often occur in weak teeth or teeth with previous dental treatment like a root canal or crown. However, healthy teeth can get vertical fractures from chewing on hard items such as ice. Along with a root canal, vertical fractures can sometimes be treated with a unique type of cement to bond the teeth and prevent the fracture from getting worse.
“A vertical root fracture is when your tooth has a crack running from top to bottom.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the layers of the teeth?
Q. What are the types of dental root fractures?
Q. What are the types of oblique fractures?
Q. What are the types of vertical fractures?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during root canal treatment?
Q. What if a crown or root canal cannot save my cracked tooth?
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does a root fracture happen?
A. Root fractures can result from a traumatic injury or can happen in teeth with previous procedures like a root canal or crown. Healthy teeth can also be subject to cracks by chewing on hard materials and foods like popcorn kernels. Your treatment will depend on the complexity of the situation and the long-term prognosis of the tooth.
Q. What are the different types of root fractures?
A. There are vertical and oblique or horizontal fractures. Oblique fractures run side to side along the tooth and only make up about 3% of dental injuries. Vertical fractures start at the root and progress up toward the crown.
Q. What are some of the symptoms of root fracture?
A. Not all root fractures present symptoms, leaving them undetected if you do not see the dentist regularly. When there are symptoms, they can include discomfort or pain when biting or chewing food, sensitivity to hot and cold, and gum swelling. These symptoms may also come and go.
Q. How are root fractures treated?
A. The severity of the crack will determine the treatment plan. Sometimes, you can stabilize the tooth, but you will need a root canal if the fracture reaches the pulp. In some cases, the root fracture may be so severe that you will need a tooth extraction.
Q. What happens after treatment for a tooth fracture?
A. Following the treatment, the patient will need to be careful with what they eat. This way, the tooth can continue to heal properly. We will also go over the necessary care techniques the patient can take at home to further the recovery process.
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Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Fractures are common and painful problems that require treatment as quickly as possible. Glassman Dental Care can help find the right treatment option for you. Call us at 212-786-6884 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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