Cracked Tooth Diagnosis and Treatment

The signs of a cracked tooth can differ from person to person and may involve sharp pain while eating, heightened reactions to hot or cold beverages, tenderness when pressure is applied, or a mix of these symptoms. Since the discomfort frequently appears and then fades, identifying the exact tooth responsible can be particularly frustrating.

In some cases, pinpointing the specific tooth behind the pain can be a challenge for a general dental practice. That is often why your dentist will refer you to an endodontic specialist. At Evolve Endodontics, Dr. Gol uses a ZEISS surgical microscope and advanced diagnostic technology that goes well beyond the capabilities of a typical dental office.

Biting and chewing on a cracked tooth without treatment can worsen the fracture and raise the risk of pain and infection. Even slight flexing of the cracked segments during chewing irritates the inner pulp tissue, triggering discomfort. When you release your bite, the crack snaps back together, often producing a sudden sharp sting. As the pulp sustains more damage over time, the pain tends to become more constant. Left untreated, cracks can introduce bacteria into the pulp, potentially spreading infection to the surrounding gum tissue and bone.

Tiny, superficial fractures called craze lines are extremely common in adult teeth and generally do not need any treatment. These fine lines remain confined to the outer enamel layer and produce no pain or structural harm. Their only potential drawback is a minor cosmetic one.

A fractured cusp is another type of crack that may not always be painful. This occurs when one of the raised points on the biting surface develops a fracture that could eventually cause a piece to separate from the rest of the tooth. Even without discomfort, a professional evaluation is important. A portion of the damaged cusp may need to be removed to stop the fracture from progressing. When the break stays outside the inner chamber of the tooth, root canal treatment is typically not required.

When a fracture runs vertically from the chewing surface down toward the root, a root canal is generally necessary to alleviate pain, address or prevent infection, and preserve the natural tooth. After Dr. Gol completes the root canal procedure, your general dentist can place a restoration to rebuild the tooth for both function and aesthetics.

A vertical fracture that travels deep into the root structure and beneath the gumline may be beyond what endodontic treatment can repair, and extraction rather than a root canal and restoration could become the recommended course of action.