Can a Tooth Root Regrow After Breaking? Dental Repair Options Explained

If a tooth is broken down to just the root, will it continue to grow?

If a tooth is broken down to just the root, it will not continue to grow.
However, if you visit a dentist, they may be able to restore the tooth using various methods, such as dental crowns or other restorative materials, to fill in the missing parts of the tooth.

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/18

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry

Dear user, based on your description, it is recommended that you consult a dentist to evaluate whether the tooth root can be treated and if the tooth can be preserved.
If it cannot be preserved, the dentist will determine if extraction is necessary.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2015/08/18

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether a tooth root can regrow after breaking, the short answer is no. Once a tooth has been broken down to the root, it will not regenerate or grow back. The dental structure is quite complex, and while some tissues in the body can regenerate, such as skin or liver cells, dental tissues do not have this capability.
Tooth roots are composed of a hard outer layer called cementum, which covers the root and helps anchor it to the jawbone, and a softer inner layer called dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the tooth is broken and only the root remains, the surrounding structures, including the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, may also be affected. This can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, or even loss of the surrounding bone structure.

In terms of dental repair options, if a tooth has broken down to the root, there are several potential treatments, but the specific approach will depend on the extent of the damage and the overall health of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Here are some common options:
1. Root Canal Treatment: If the root is intact but the crown (the visible part of the tooth) is damaged, a root canal may be performed. This involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them. After this procedure, a crown is usually placed on top to restore the tooth's function and appearance.

2. Dental Crown: If the tooth can be salvaged, a dental crown may be placed over the remaining structure. This is particularly common after a root canal treatment. The crown provides strength and protection to the tooth, allowing it to function normally.

3. Extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, extraction may be necessary. After extraction, options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures can be considered to replace the missing tooth.

4. Bone Grafting: If the tooth root is lost and there is significant bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the bone structure before considering an implant. This procedure involves placing bone material in the area where the tooth was removed to encourage new bone growth.

5. Implants: If the tooth is extracted, a dental implant can be placed in the jawbone to serve as a replacement root. This is a popular option due to its durability and the fact that it mimics the function of a natural tooth.

Regarding your concern about whether a dentist can "fill in" the empty space left by a broken tooth, it is important to clarify that while dentists can use various materials to restore the shape and function of a tooth, they cannot regenerate the tooth itself. They can, however, use composite resins or dental crowns to restore the appearance of a tooth that has been damaged but still has enough structure remaining.

In conclusion, if you have a broken tooth that has reached the root, it is crucial to consult with a dentist as soon as possible. They will assess the situation and recommend the best course of action based on the condition of your tooth and overall dental health. Early intervention can often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, so don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

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