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Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

When a tooth is cracked, the exact location of pain can often be difficult for your dentist to locate. Cracked teeth are caused by tooth injury, dental trauma and general wear and tear like chewing hard foods, and clenching or grinding your teeth. Cracked tooth symptoms may range from erratic pain when chewing to sudden pain when encountering hot or cold temperatures. Often pain may come and go over many months and tooth cracks may not be visible on a routine dental exam or x-ray.

Understanding cracked tooth symptoms and treatment: an educational video.

When a tooth is cracked for chipped, bacteria is more likely to enter and irritate the inside of the tooth. Over time, biting pain or pain while chewing will occur more frequently, and the pulp and bone can become infected. Timeliness matters; the sooner a tooth crack is located and treated, the better the outcome.

Advanced x-ray technology known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography – or more simply as 3D CBCT imaging – can aid in early cracked tooth diagnosis, often prior to any performed treatment. This state-of-the-art, low exposure x-ray system allows us to maximize outcome predictability and success rates for the best possible care of your cracked tooth.

Addressing Your Cracked Teeth Needs

Addressing Your Cracked Teeth Needs
Not all cracked teeth require root canal treatment or coverage by a crown.The treatment and outcome for your cracked tooth depend on the type, location, and extent of the crack.

Tiny surface cracks — known as craze lines — are extremely common in adults. These are very shallow cracks, cause no pain and are of no concern beyond appearances. Other types of cracks, though, can require root canal treatment,including fractured cusps, split teeth, and vertical root fractures that expose the inside of the tooth. Over time, cracks can grown, impacting prognosis. If the crack extends below the gum line and is no longer treatable, the tooth cannot be saved and will require dental extraction. Early diagnosis and treatment be an endodontist are key to saving these teeth.

Unlike a broken bone, a fractured or cracked tooth will not heal. Root canal treatment addresses inflammation and infection internally, while a crown on a cracked tooth provides maximal protection of the external surface and reduces the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.

Treating your cracked teeth doesn’t have to be painful. As we do with all our endodontic root canal treatments, our team will get to know you and take the time to assess your specific needs before recommending treatment options.

We also offer the latest relaxation methods including sedation dentistry to make your treatment pain-free and comfortable. Our approach is grounded in the latest evidence-based research, and provides both efficiency and effectiveness.

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Cracked Teeth

Cracked Tooth? Timeliness Matters – We Are Here to Help

If you experience these symptoms or suspect a cracked tooth, it’s best to see one of our endodontists as soon as possible to achieve the best outcome.

Contact us today to schedule your endodontic evaluation at our office in Colorado Springs or Pueblo.

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