Cracked Teeth
How We Treat Damaged Teeth
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for tooth pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.
Types of Cracks
Craze lines
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.
Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.
Don’t Suffer From Tooth Pain Any Longer
Dr. Bjarnason can examine your cracked teeth and determine the best treatment to relieve pain.
Oakwood Endodontics
Patient Review By James H
I was referred to Oakwood Endodontics for 2 root canal procedures. They were done very competantly with minimal discomfort over 3 visits by Dr. Spencer Bjarnason. I was very pleased with the whole process and of course getting full use of my mouth back! I recommend Oakwood highly.
- James H
Patient Review By Denise B
Overall Oakwood was a great place for treatment and we will highly recommend them to everyone!
- Denise B
Patient Review By Lee Ann B
Just moved to Sun City from the Dallas Fort Worth area and needed a root canal. I was in the dental profession for over 35 years so I’m very picky and was referred to Dr. Bjarnason. He and his staff were very professional and made me feel very comfortable. I hope you never need a root canal, but if you do I highly recommend this practice.
- Lee Ann B
