Cracked Tooth Treatment
If your mouth is in pain, or you’re worried about a visible crack in your tooth, contact our endodontists today. With our research-based special treatment, root canal therapy may not only alleviate uncomfortable symptoms but also effectively seal the crack, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the affected tooth.
Signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth often include:
- Pain when biting or clenching your teeth together
- Sensitivity to cold and/or hot
- Chronic or spontaneous pain
- Bumps on your gums
What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Cracked teeth can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Age: Teeth can become more brittle as we get older, making them more susceptible to cracks.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, puts significant pressure on them.
- Large fillings: A large filling can weaken the overall structure of a tooth.
- Trauma: A blow to the mouth from an accident, fall, or sports injury can easily crack a tooth.
- Hard foods: Biting down on something hard, like ice, a popcorn kernel, or hard candy, can cause a tooth to fracture.
Cape Fear Endodontics Reviews
Dr. Milhe, explained what he was going to do. If the tooth root couldn’t be cleaned it would need to be pulled. Shot me w novacane. And away went. He cleaned out the roots. Made I feeling OK. Great team.
Awesome experience from first class organization.
You know how a flight attendant will stand in front of everyone on the plane and explain safety procedures and other information. This team was just like that with every step and movement. I was informed of everything before they did it and they were very professional. Bravo!!!
Very personable and thorough about the procedure I was having done. Made me very comfortable, and made it easy for me to relax without any medications. Better experience than I imagined.
Dr. Mihle is a very courteous and knowledgeable endodontist. His staff is also top notch. I would recommend his services to all patients needing his speciality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have a cracked tooth without any visible signs?
Yes, and this is actually quite common. Some cracks are too small to be seen but can still cause symptoms like sensitivity when biting or temperature changes. Because these cracks are not always visible, evaluation often relies on your symptoms along with imaging and clinical testing. Our team will look for subtle indicators that help confirm what is going on.
Is cracking a molar more serious than other teeth?
Molars are typically more vulnerable to complications after cracking because they absorb the most force during chewing. A crack in this area can progress faster if left untreated. That said, any cracked tooth deserves attention. Our team will evaluate the situation and recommend the best way to protect the tooth.
Does a cracked tooth always need to be extracted?
No, many cracked teeth can be treated and preserved, especially when caught early. Depending on the severity, options may include bonding, a crown, or root canal therapy. Extraction is typically only considered when the crack extends too far to reliably restore the tooth. Our team will carefully evaluate the extent of the damage and walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision.
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Recovery
Your recovery will depend on your treatment, so Dr. Mihle will discuss instructions. You should not eat anything that might reopen or expand the crack, such as hard candy or ice. If the crack was caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) while you slept, Dr. Mihle may recommend a night guard. It is important that you maintain an efficient oral hygiene routine at home to minimize the chance of infection. At your yearly dental examination, Dr. Mihle will continuously watch the treated tooth as well as your general oral health so conditions can be addressed early.