The Most Common Type of Dental Fractures in People Over 55

Dental or teeth fractures occur in all ages of people, but are especially common in the elderly since their teeth are older and more worn, along with the fact that they produce less calcium to help repair and protect teeth. Many dental fractures are very painful and diagnosing which dental fracture type it is presents great difficulty, though once a diagnosis is made, treatment is generally simple and painless.

One of the most common types of dental fractures seen in the elderly is the oblique supragingival fracture and is always found above the gum line of the sufferer. This occurs in weakened or damaged teeth when too much pressure is applied to the tooth (such as when someone bites down on something). The nerves are generally unaffected by this type of dental fracture therefore once the fractured area of the tooth is removed, then pain generally goes away once the dental fracture is not too deep. If there is any exposed dentin (due to the dental fracture being very deep) in the region of the tooth fracture, then pain will continue until the problem is rectified by a dental surgeon.

The second type of dental fracture commonly found in the elderly is the oblique sub gingival fracture and as the name suggests, occurs below the gum line. The tooth is fractured below the gum line and causes immense pain and suffering to the person even though this type of dental fracture does not affect the nerve. It is recommended that any sufferers of this t. The tooth is fractured below the gum line and causes immense pain and suffering to the person even though this type of dental fracture does not affect the nerve. It is recommended that any sufferers of this type of dental fracture should visit a dentist immediately to prevent the tooth from being lost. A root canal may have to be performed to ensure that the fracture does not get any worse and to prevent any potential infections.

The third type of dental fracture that occurs commonly in elderly persons is the oblique root fracture. This type of dental fracture occurs in the bone below the gums and can prove fatal due to dangerous infections and abscesses that can occur.

Vertical apical fractures are another type of dental fracture that occurs in the elderly is the vertical apical root fracture, this is the most difficult dental fracture to treat and can result in death. This type of dental fracture involves the root of the tooth and the actual crown. Due to the nerve of the tooth being involved, this type of dental fracture involves tremendous pain that can only be soothed with the most intense pain medications. The only treatment for a vertical apical fracture is a root canal which helps to remove the fragments of the tooth which are causing the pain as well as clearing any infections that may occur.

Dental fractures are a very common occurrence in the elderly due to a myriad of causes but mainly due to a lack of calcium and a low body metabolism. If you or someone has symptoms of any of these types of dental fractures, you should try to see a dental professional immediately to determine your treatment options.

References
1. http://www.freemd.com/Dental-injury/types-dental-fractures.htm
2. http://easyphamax2u.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/types-of-dental-teeth-fractures/