Cracking a tooth can be sudden, painful, and scary. With the right care, it doesn’t have to mean losing your tooth. At GentleCare Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, Dr. Priya Chand specializes in treating cracked teeth using advanced endodontic procedures to save your natural tooth and stop pain or infection from spreading.
Cracks in teeth can vary in size and depth. Some cracks are small and only affect the outer enamel, while others reach into the center of the tooth or even down the root. The sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the better the chances of saving it. That’s why we always encourage patients to contact us right away if they think they’ve cracked a tooth.
Types of Cracked Teeth
Dr. Chand will evaluate your tooth or teeth and determine the type of crack before recommending treatment. The type of tooth crack, severity of damage and the location of the crack are important factors in choosing the proper treatment.
Craze Lines
Minor surface cracks in the enamel that are common, painless, and only affect appearance.
Fractured Cusp
When part of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, usually around a filling. Rarely painful and can be treated with a new filling or crown.
Cracked Tooth
A crack extending from the chewing surface toward the root. Early treatment is crucial – if the crack hasn’t reached below the gum line, it can often be saved with a root canal and crown. If it extends below the gum line, the tooth must be extracted.
Split Tooth
An advanced stage where the tooth has distinct separable segments. The tooth cannot be saved intact, though sometimes portions can be preserved with endodontic treatment.
Vertical Root Fracture
Cracks starting in the root and extending upward, often with minimal symptoms until infection occurs. Usually requires extraction, though endodontic surgery may sometimes save part of the tooth.
Why Cracked Teeth Are a Serious Problem
Your teeth are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Cracks can happen from chewing on something hard, grinding your teeth, an injury or accident, or even biting down wrong. While small surface cracks may not need treatment, deeper cracks can cause major problems, including:
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling or infection in the gums
- Damage to the pulp (nerve tissue) inside the tooth
- Spread of infection into the jawbone
Once a crack reaches the inner part of the tooth, bacteria can get in and cause an infection. If the crack extends into the root or below the gumline, saving the tooth becomes more difficult, but not impossible. That’s where endodontic treatment comes in.
How Endodontics Helps with Cracked Teeth
As an endodontist, Dr. Chand focuses on treating problems inside the tooth, especially in the root and pulp. If a crack has damaged the inside of your tooth, a regular filling or crown won’t be enough. Endodontic treatment is often the best way to remove infection, relieve pain, and protect the tooth from further damage.
Here are some of the endodontic services that may be used to treat a cracked tooth:
- Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has reached the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), Dr. Chand can perform a root canal to remove damaged tissue and seal the inside of the tooth. This prevents infection and prepares the tooth for a protective crown.
- Endodontic Microsurgery: In cases where a crack affects the tip of the root or causes a deep infection that cannot be reached from the top of the tooth, microsurgery such as an apicoectomy may be needed. This involves carefully removing the tip of the root and sealing it to stop the spread of bacteria.
Dr. Chand uses advanced imaging and magnification to detect even small cracks that may be hard to see on traditional X-rays. With the right treatment and a customized care plan, many cracked teeth can be saved and continue functioning for years.
What To Do When You Crack a Tooth
If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, it’s important to take action right away. Cracks can get worse quickly, especially when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
Here’s what to do if you suspect a cracked tooth:
- Call us immediately! The sooner we can examine the tooth, the better. Early treatment can prevent infection and save the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Stick to soft foods until you’re seen.
- Apply a cold pack on the outside of your face if there is swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed, but avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
Even if the crack is not visible, pain when chewing or sudden sensitivity could be a sign of a fracture inside the tooth. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Prompt care leads to better outcomes.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
One of the most important things to know about cracked teeth is that they do not heal on their own. Left untreated, cracks can grow deeper, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. The longer you wait, the more likely the tooth will need to be extracted.
Prompt treatment can prevent infection or stop it from spreading, making saving the tooth more likely. Treatment can also reduce pain and sensitivity, while protecting surrounding teeth and gums from damage.
At GentleCare Endodontics, we use the latest technology to evaluate your tooth and offer the most effective treatment. Whether the crack is small or severe, Dr. Chand will provide honest guidance and gentle, expert care.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’ve cracked a tooth or think something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Early care is the key to saving your tooth and protecting your health.
At Gentle Care Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, Dr. Priya Chand provides specialized treatment for cracked teeth using advanced endodontic procedures. We’re here to answer your questions, relieve your pain, and help you feel confident about your care.
Call our office at 410-988-6502 today or use our simple online request form to schedule your appointment. Let us help you restore your smile — one tooth at a time.