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A horizontal tooth root fracture is a crack that goes straight across the root of your tooth. It is different from a broken crown or a chip on the top of the tooth. This type of injury happens deep below the gum line. A fall, a punch, or biting down on something extremely hard can cause it. While it sounds serious, modern dentistry has excellent ways to treat it and save your tooth.
At Dental Clinic Islamabad, our dentists use advanced techniques to heal these fractures. This article explains how these injuries are treated and what you can expect.
What Is a Horizontal Root Fracture?
A horizontal tooth fracture is a crack that runs across the root of a tooth, perpendicular to its length. Unlike a vertical fracture that runs up and down, a horizontal fracture separates the tooth into two segments: the coronal segment (near the crown) and the apical segment (near the root tip).
The middle third of the root is affected in about 57 percent of cases, followed by the apical third at 34 percent. Fractures closer to the root tip often have a better prognosis because they are farther from the gum line and less exposed to bacteria
How Dentists Diagnose the Fracture
- Listen to your history of trauma
- Check if the tooth is loose
- Tap the tooth to check for pain
- Take special X-rays from different angles
- Use a CBCT scan for a 3D view (if needed)
Treatment Breakdown by Severity
| Severity | Treatment Approach |
| Non-Displaced (No movement) | Splinting only |
| Slightly Displaced | Splinting + monitoring |
| Displaced with Nerve Damage | Root canal + MTA filling |
| Infected Fracture | Surgical repair + bone graft |
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment involves stabilizing the tooth and allowing it to heal naturally. The dentist gently repositions the tooth if it becomes displaced. A flexible splint holds the tooth in place for 4 to 8 weeks. The dentist monitors the tooth with regular X-rays to check healing.
Root canal treatment
If the pulp (nerve) becomes non-vital, the dentist may need to perform root canal treatment. Dentists often use a material called MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) to seal the fracture site.
Surgical Treatment for Horizontal Root Fractures
In some cases, non-surgical treatment is not enough. These cases occur when fracture fragments are too displaced, the tooth remains mobile after splinting, a cervical root perforation exists, or non-surgical methods fail to heal the tooth. Surgical treatment involves access to the root through the gum. Steps include raising a flap in the gum tissue to expose the fracture site, performing osteotomy (removing a small amount of bone) to access the root end, retrieving the fractured fragment if needed, removing granulation tissue, performing root-end preparation using ultrasonic tips for precision, placing an MTA root-end filling, and placing a bone graft and membrane if there is bone loss.
Step by Step Treatment Process
Step 1: Emergency Care
The dentist checks if the tooth is loose. They gently push it back into place if it has moved. You may receive medication for pain and swelling.
Step 2: Splinting (Stabilization)
The dentist bonds a small wire or plastic strip to the injured tooth and the teeth next to it. This holds the pieces together so they can heal. You will wear this splint for 4 to 8 weeks.
Step 3: Monitoring Healing
You will need follow-up X-rays every few months. The dentist checks if the bone is growing back around the fracture line.
Step 4: Root Canal Treatment
If the nerve inside the tooth dies, you will need a root canal. The doctor cleans out the dead tissue and seals the tooth. A special cement called MTA is used to seal the crack.
Step 5: Surgical Repair (If Needed)
If the fracture does not heal or becomes infected, the dentist performs a small surgical procedure. They cut the gum, remove the infected root tip, and seal the end with MTA.
Cost of Horizontal Root Fracture Treatment in Islamabad
At Dental Clinic Islamabad, we offer transparent pricing based on the complexity of the injury.
| Treatment Type | Price Range (PKR) |
| Root Canal | 20,000 per tooth |
Factors That Affect Cost
- Severity of the fracture determines the treatment steps.
- Number of X-rays and follow-up visits required.
- Use of MTA material, which is more expensive than standard fillings.
- Additional fees for bone grafting if bone is lost.
Why Choose Dental Clinic Islamabad for Root Fracture Treatment?
- Expert Dentists: Trained in saving complex tooth fractures.
- Advanced Technology: CBCT scans for accurate diagnosis.
- MTA Material: Gold standard for sealing root cracks.
- Pain Management: Gentle techniques for comfort.
- Honest Advice: We will tell you if the tooth can be saved.
- Follow-up Care: We track your healing for months.
- Affordable Options: Competitive pricing for complex care.
