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 Mihle and his staff are top notch! Experience and professionalism along with a comfortable environment. I’m glad they are there when I need them!
Dr Mihle and his staff are wonderful! To say I was extremely nervous is an understatement but, from my first visit until my last, everyone was so compassionate and caring. Dr Mihle was honest and cautioned me that he might not be able to successfully do the procedure due to underlying issues; however, the surgery was a success and I have healed nicely without complications. I highly recommend Dr Mihle! The compassion and professionalism shown to me was of the highest standards! Highly recommend! (My username on this site is different than my real name used at their office.)
From the moment I entered the endodontist office, I felt welcomed and valued as a patient. The front desk (I believe Diane) greeted me amiably, welcomed me back, and made me feel at home. I cannot say enough positives about Dr. Mihle and his assistant, Alexis. They both exemplify professionalism and compassion. During invasive techniques, Alexis would often put her hand on my shoulder as a means to mitigate the inherent stress. Dr. Mihle did not hurt me once. He was gentle, kind, and extremely professional and thorough. Truly, these guys are the best!
I cannot say enough good things about the entire team here. They are incredibly kind and do everything they can to improve a challenging situation with your teeth so you can return to normalcy. From the moment they called me after the referral, it felt like I was talking to a family member genuinely concerned about my condition, with the intention of getting me in quickly given the pain I was in. When I arrived and walked through the door, she greeted me sincerely and assured me everything would be okay, and that Dr. Mihle would see me as soon as possible. When I was called back, the staff was very sincere, taking all the X-rays to develop a plan of action. While doing this, they were very attentive to the area and made sure what they did didn't hurt me even more. What I mean is, it wasn't just a process of turn your head, etc., and hold still. There was compassion behind it. When Dr. Mihle greeted me, he spoke to me as if he were a long-time doctor of mine, here to fix my tooth and infection. It made me so comfortable, and I knew I was going to be okay. He presented multiple treatment options, and we worked out a plan to proceed in the following days. Fast forward to my procedure, I was very nervous, but they took it seriously and made sure I was comfortable throughout, focusing on my comfort rather than rushing through just to check it off a list. Every detail, even the process of numbing me, was handled carefully by the technician and Dr. Mihle to ensure I was okay and comfortable. I have two more sessions in my treatment plan, and my anxiety is nowhere near what it was before I first walked through their door. I also want to mention that I believe my treatment plan was priced very fairly for all the work Dr. Mihle and his team are doing to repair my failed root canal and infection. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me! Sorry for the long-winded review but I think it is important for you if you're considering utilizing their service you hear everything so you can be assured you're making the right decision.
Super experience
136
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
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.