Root Canal for Broken Tooth?

Root canals on broken teeth are necessary if the fracture is extensive enough that the pulp is exposed.  Other indications for a root canal include deep decay and resorption.  If the dentist has confirmed through examination and pulp tests that the root system is vital and healthy, then a root canal is not necessary and should not be performed.  Once a root canal is done, the blood and nutrient supply of the tooth are depleted, causing the tooth to become brittle and weak.  As the saying goes, "Don't fix something that isn't broken."  Thank you, Dr. Elizabeth Jahanian.

Unless your tooth starts to turn dark or develops sensitivity to thermal changes, a veneer is probably a fine alternative.  If it is possible to avoid a root canal I certainly would.  There is no need to perform an elective procedure in this situation when it could still be accomplished in the future if necessary often times with no detrimental effects to the veneer.

I would fully trust your dentist about not having a root canal.  If the tooth nerve is healthy after the fracture, then the veneer is a perfect restoration.  The negatives to a root canal is the tooth will become more brittle over time, the tooth will slowly darken, and the root canal can even fail.  All of these are bad consequenses. 

I would strongly recommend you not getting a root canal as a preventive measure.  Best of luck!

You don't want a root canal if you don't really need one. Endodontic treatment (a root canal) will make a tooth more likely to fracture over time. As long as there are no symptoms, and the tooth is checked (with x-ray ) periodically, you should be fine without a root canal.

Veneer is a great restorative modality which preserves natural tooth structure and esthetically enhances the appearance of the tooth. If your doctor told you that you do not need a root canal, trust him you don't need one:) Performing a root canal will result weakened tooth structure. Don't worry about root canal and enjoy your new veneer:)

 

I will assume you fractured the tooth horizontally, you have had no pain, no bleeding from the tooth center when it broke and the nerve was still live when tested by your dentist.  A veneer to restore the broken edge is a great choice.  Even though a problem was not apparent during pulp testing, the more important question is what is the proximity of the fracture to the pulp chamber.  If there is considerable distance, then a root canal may not be necessary.  If the fracture is close to the pulp, the nerve may have been damaged or traumatized beyond recovery and a root canal is probably a good choice to avoid future problems.

Since root canals on front teeth are done from the back side of the tooth, if a future root canal is needed, it probably will not effect the veneer.  Your dentist can brief you on the situation.  She can explain the pros and cons of doing a prophylactic root canal and guide you in the decision making process.

When you break a tooth, trauma has occurred.  We don't always know what  happens to the tooth immediately. 

You don't always need a root canal but the possibility exists that over time the tooth may die.  If the tooth has been evaluated for a root canal and does not show symptoms at this time, DO NOT DO ONE.  Root canals are very successful but not 100% of the time-they can fail.  They also can make a tooth brittle over time.

If the broken tooth is not sensitive and no color change has occurred, just fix the tooth. 

There may be a time when you need a root canal but if you have the tooth repaired either with a tooth colored bonded plastic filling or a veneer, the access is always available from the inside and a successful root canal can be preformed.

I agree that having a root canal on a tooth where the nerve is undamaged is unnecessary.  Root canals weaken teeth because the tooth is hollowed out during the procedure and the nerve and blood vessels are removed from the tooth causing it to become more brittle.  Having a root canal is usually preferable to extracting a tooth but you want to avoid it when you can.  If you notice that the tooth is starting to darken in the future, I would consult your dentist immediately for a root canal ( this can occasionally occur long after trauma ) to avoid any aesthetic complication.

Hello,
After a fracture a tooth must be tested for certain amount of time like 2 weeks after the fracture than 2 months and 6 months...if the pulp test is negative the tooth does not need a root canal.
If you are not symptomatic is better to wait on the root canal.
Is better to save the tooth from a root canal: a vital tooth is a way stronger tooth than a root canal tooth.

Thank you,
Dr. Cristina Barba
 

Sounds like your dentist is giving you very good advice.  It is rare that a tooth needs a root canal treatment so if you are not having any problems I would trust what she says.  Good luck!