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
This was my first time going to Dr Mihle’s office and had a very nice experience! Dr Mihle and staff were very knowledgeable. He was thorough with his exam. He took the time to explain everything to me and answered any questions that I had about my upcoming procedure. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone with Endodontic needs!
They worked me in two weeks faster than another Endodontist and four weeks faster than a third. This was very much appreciated. I was very pleased with his consult and the actual root canal. The staff and doctor were very friendly and knowledgeable.
Highly recommend Dr. Mihle’s endodontic practice!!! My dentist referred me to him, and it has been the easiest process ever. From scheduling my appointment to my appointment, my consult and now a plan to target the issues at hand. Professional and assertive. The energy overall is the best I’ve experienced! I am grateful to have become a patient and cannot wait to complete my treatment plan.
Office staff extremely helpful, even with out of network insurance, Dr Mihle makes the effort to explain every thing and doesn't rush through anything. I initiated a follow up visit 3 months after surgery with some concerns and Dr Mihle did additional xrays and consultation and explained away my concerns. Very satisfied.
I went in . Dr Mihle explained what needed to happen. Had to have a root canal. It was a very good experience. Dr Mihle and All the staff treated me so nicely. Highly Recommend.
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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.