Cracked Teeth Western MA

A variety of symptoms can help our endodontic specialists diagnose a cracked tooth or cracked tooth syndrome. Most often, you will experience pain when putting any pressure on your tooth, especially when eating. There may also be some sensitivity when your tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures.

Frequently caused by wearing down over time or a physical trauma, a cracked tooth can be painful and lead to difficulty speaking or eating. If not treated right away, a cracked tooth may cause constant pain and the crack can then turn into an infection inside of the tooth. There are several different types of cracks that can occur on the tooth, including craze lines (which are generally not a concern), a vertical fracture, a split tooth, and a fractured tooth cusp. The classification of the crack depends on the depth and location within the tooth, which also determines the best treatment.

Cracked teeth can be the result of eating ice or hard candies or may be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) that occurs at night. The degree and positioning of the crack will help our specialists choose the most effective treatment. After a thorough exam, our team will explain your situation and create a treatment plan. The main goal is to either prevent an infection or completely remove any infected areas.

A Vertically Fractured Root

Like with a split tooth, a tooth affected by a vertical root fracture may require endodontic treatment. An extraction may be necessary if the tooth is deemed unsalvageable.

A Split Tooth

When a tooth is split, endodontic surgery may be performed, if possible. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted, especially if it cannot be saved.

A Fractured Tooth Cusp

For a fractured cusp, a filling or crown can repair the tooth and prevent the crack from growing. If the crack reaches into the pulp of the tooth, then root canal treatment may be performed.

A cracked tooth can be painful and can cause more extensive problems if not treated properly. It is important to seek professional help as early as possible so your tooth has a higher chance of being saved. A cracked tooth cannot be healed, but there is a chance it can be repaired so that your tooth is still functional and your pain can be relieved.

There are a variety of symptoms that can help our specialists diagnose a cracked tooth. Most often, you will experience pain when putting any pressure on your tooth, especially when eating. There may also be some sensitivity when your tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures. If not treated right away, a cracked tooth may cause constant pain and the crack can then turn into an infection inside of the tooth. If our endodontists suspect you have a cracked tooth, they will perform a physical exam and order dental x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. This will also help to determine your best treatment option.