Cracked teeth can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from normal chewing and function, to grinding (often as a result of stress), to pre-existing large restorations, or a history of decay. These cracks can present with different symptoms that can adversely affect your quality of life. As board certified endodontists, Dr. Axx, Dr. Clatanoff, and Dr. Anderson are specialists in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth, allowing for many years of pain-free function.
- What does a cracked tooth feel like?
- How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
- How is a cracked tooth treated?
What does a cracked tooth feel like?
Cracked teeth can present with a multitude of symptoms, including spontaneous pain in response to chewing, cold sensitivity, a dull ache, and/or gingival swelling. It is not uncommon for the pain associated with a cracked tooth to be intermittent in nature, which can complicate your ability to identify exactly which tooth is the source of the discomfort.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
In order to determine the presence and severity of a cracked tooth, a comprehensive endodontic evaluation by one of our doctors is recommended. Our highly skilled endodontists combine the use of an extensive dental history, thorough clinical evaluation, and high resolution radiography to evaluate and diagnose your tooth. In many instances, a specialized x-ray known as a CBCT scan is recommended in order to most accurately evaluate and diagnose a cracked tooth, leading to the best possible prognosis.
How is a cracked tooth treated?
Due to the variety in the type and severity of cracked teeth, the recommended dental treatment can vary substantially. In the least severe circumstances, cracks may be sufficiently treated with a dental filling or a crown. In teeth with cracks that involve the dental pulp, root canal therapy may be indicated to save your tooth from further pain and potential infection. In some of the most severe instances, a cracked tooth may be beyond repair and may require extraction.
