Treatment of Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can cause symptoms like erratic pain when you chew your food, or sudden, intense pain when your tooth is exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. In many cases, the pain may come and go, but if you experience these symptoms or suspect a cracked tooth, it’s best to see an endodontist as soon as possible.
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Craze Lines
Craze lines appear as small, almost hairline cracks in the enamel of anterior teeth. Most adult patients have craze lines, and as they only affect the enamel and do not go any deeper, they do not cause pain. For many, craze lines are simply an aesthetic issue.
Fractured Cusp
Fractured cusps are defined as a complete or incomplete fracture of the tooth crown from the root. Often the result of dental trauma or advanced decay, fractured cusps are usually treated by fitting a crown to the affected tooth—providing enough material remains to anchor the crown.
Cracked Tooth
Truly cracked teeth are defined as having a crack running the length of a tooth, usually below the gum line. Depending on the extent of the crack, your endodontist might be able to drill out the cracked area of the tooth—similar to a cavity.
Split Tooth
A severely cracked tooth may have a crack running the entire length of the tooth. When this happens, the two halves of the tooth can actually separate in two or more pieces. This is called a split tooth, and is often treated through a root canal procedure.
Vertical Root Fractures
Vertical root fractures occur when there is a crack in the root of a tooth and is otherwise not visible. These fractures often require the extraction of the tooth and root, in which case restorative or prosthetic options can be explored.
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At Advanced Endodontics of Nevada, we’re committed to providing high quality, evidence based, endodontic therapy to our patients. We accept patient referrals from all local dentists and we also work with patients directly. If you think you may be in need of a root canal or root canal therapy please contact our office, and our team will be sure to get you scheduled at your earliest convenience.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
Diagnosing cracked teeth can be challenging, and your dentist may have difficulty locating the tooth causing the discomfort at first. It’s possible that your endodontist will recommend several types of diagnostic tests and additional imaging procedures.
Prognosis and treatment depends on the type, location and severity of each crack or fracture. Endodontists specialize in saving cracked teeth and will cater treatment to the type, location, and extent of the crack. The sooner your tooth is treated, the better the outcome.
Endodontists specialize in saving cracked teeth and will cater treatment to the type, location, and extent of the crack. The sooner your tooth is treated, the better the outcome.
For more information on endodontic microsurgery, visit the American Association of Endodontists Webpage here.
For Referring Doctors
If you are a local doctor and would like to refer a patient to our clinic, please see the link below for the appropriate forms you need to fill out. Otherwise give us a call and our office staff will be happy to walk you through the process.
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