Are you looking for: "Is a broken root canal tooth an emergency?".
Here’s the short answer:
Yes, a broken root canal tooth is usually considered a dental emergency.
This is especially true if you feel pain, swelling, or sensitivity.
Even if it doesn’t hurt, a broken tooth can expose the inner structure and weaken the tooth.
So, don’t wait. The sooner you get help, the better the chance of saving your tooth.
This guide explains why broken root canal teeth are risky, the signs to watch for, how dentists treat these issues, and what to do while you wait for your appointment.
At Junction Family Dental Care, we provide quick care for root canals and general dentistry services in Ontario.
A tooth that has had a root canal is weaker than it used to be.
The procedure removes infected pulp and cleans the tooth's inside, but this makes the tooth more fragile. That’s why most teeth treated with a root canal need a protective crown.
If you're unsure about this, you can read more about it in our guide.
When a tooth that has had a root canal breaks, it can lead to several problems:
Even small cracks can let bacteria in, which can cause the root canal to fail.
To see what a failed root canal looks like check out our article about it.
When facing a dental emergency, you could lose your tooth, so consider this an emergency if:
1. You feel sharp or throbbing pain.
Pain may mean:
Be alert, as a tooth with no nerve can still hurt.
2. You see swelling or a bump near the tooth.
This could mean an abscess or infection inside the tooth.
3. The tooth feels loose.
A loose root canal tooth might have fractures below the gumline.
4. You notice a foul taste or drainage.
This may indicate reinfection, which needs immediate attention.
5. A crown has broken off.
The tooth underneath is very vulnerable and needs to be covered quickly
Even if a broken root canal tooth doesn't hurt, you should never ignore it.
The only cases that are less urgent are:
However, you should still schedule an appointment soon because fractures can worsen over time.
When facing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Root canals help save teeth, but the process has some effects:
Because of this, getting a crown is important.
If you didn’t get a crown after your procedure, you might want to read what happens.
Also, activities like grinding, chewing hard foods, or experiencing trauma can break the tooth unexpectedly.
There are different options:
1. Crown repair or replacement
If your crown breaks but the tooth is still fine, a new crown can protect it again.
2. Root canal retreatment
If germs have gotten back into the tooth, you may need to have the root canal redone.
3. Post and core reconstruction
If your tooth is badly damaged but can still be saved, your dentist might build it up using a post-and-core before putting on a new crown.
4. Apicoectomy
This option helps if the root's tip is fractured but the rest of the tooth is stable.
5. Extraction
If the fracture goes below the gumline or splits the tooth, you might need to have it removed.
The cost depends on what treatment you need.
For instance, retreating a root canal can cost about the same as the first treatment.
A new crown has its own cost, but surgical treatments can add extra fees if the fracture is complex.
Extraction followed by replacement (like an implant or bridge) will increase your total cost.
Remember, delaying treatment can lead to more costs if the tooth gets worse.
You can lower the chance of your teeth breaking by:
If you’re worried about recovery or want to avoid root canals in the future, make sure to read our guide.
A broken root canal tooth is a dental emergency.
If you feel pain, notice swelling, or see that your tooth is moving, seek help right away.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, a fracture can allow bacteria to enter, which can lead to reinfection or total tooth loss.
The good news is that quick treatment can often save a broken root canal tooth.
If you have a broken root canal tooth, pain, or any signs of trouble, contact us as soon as you can.
