Cracked Teeth
Some common types of cracks are superficial and require no intervention while other cracks can eventually lead to loss of your tooth. A cracked tooth can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The movement along the crack irritates the nerve of the tooth. If cracks and fractures are left untreated they can allow bacteria from your saliva to penetrate the tooth and cause infection.
At our office, we will thoroughly evaluate your tooth to determine if endodontic treatment is necessary. Sometimes a fractured tooth will only need the added protection of a crown, which would be done by your dentist.
Cracked teeth do not always show visible signs, but common symptoms may include pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort that comes and goes. In some cases, there may be swelling or difficulty pinpointing the exact source of pain. Because symptoms can be subtle, a dental evaluation is the best way to determine if a tooth is cracked.
Dentists and endodontists use advanced technologies to diagnose and treat cracked teeth accurately. These may include digital X-rays, 3D imaging such as cone beam CT (CBCT), dental microscopes for enhanced visualization, and special instruments to detect cracks. These tools help ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
After root canal therapy on a cracked tooth, it is important to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible—typically within a few weeks—for placement of a permanent restoration such as a crown. Prompt restoration helps protect the tooth from further damage and improves long-term outcomes.