Endodontic Services
Cracked Tooth Treatment
Cracked teeth can be hard to pin down. A careful exam helps identify the crack and the treatment most likely to protect the tooth.
Endodontic services at West End Dental Centre are provided by our general dentist team. Our dentists are not licensed specialists in endodontics. Complex cases may be referred when that is in your interest.
Why teeth crack
Teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. Cracks can develop from grinding or clenching, biting down on something hard such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, or from a blow to the mouth. Teeth with large fillings or past root canal treatment can also be more prone to cracking, because less natural tooth structure remains to support them.
Cracks are most common in the back teeth, which handle the heaviest chewing forces. They can be very fine and are not always visible, even on X-rays.
Common signs of a cracked tooth
Symptoms can come and go, which is part of what makes cracks tricky. You may notice:
- Sharp pain when biting down, especially when you release the bite
- Discomfort that comes and goes rather than staying constant
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweet foods
- Difficulty pinpointing exactly which tooth hurts
- Swelling of the gum around one tooth
These symptoms can also come from decay, gum problems, or other causes. Only an exam can confirm whether a tooth is cracked.
How a cracked tooth is diagnosed
Because cracks can be hard to see, your dentist will usually combine several approaches:
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Listening to your symptoms
When the pain happens, what triggers it, and how long it lasts all offer useful clues.
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Close examination
Your dentist looks carefully at the tooth surface, existing fillings, and the gums around the tooth.
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Bite testing
Biting on a small instrument, one area at a time, can help locate the cusp or tooth that is affected.
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X-rays and nerve checks
X-rays do not always show cracks, but they help check the root and surrounding bone. Tests may also show how the pulp is responding.
Treatment depends on the crack
Very fine surface lines, sometimes called craze lines, are common and often need no treatment. For other cracks, the goal is to stop the crack from spreading and protect the tooth. Depending on its size and location, options may include bonding or a filling, an onlay, or a crown that holds the tooth together.
If a crack has reached the pulp, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth is restored. When a crack extends deep below the gumline or splits the tooth, it may not be possible to save it, and extraction may be discussed. Complex cases may be referred when that is in your interest.
Protecting your teeth from cracks
Not every crack can be prevented, but some habits may lower the risk. Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy, and do not use your teeth to open packages. If you grind or clench, especially at night, a custom night guard may help protect your teeth, and a sports guard is a good idea for contact sports.
If you notice pain when biting, it is worth booking an exam sooner rather than later. Cracks tend to grow over time, and earlier treatment may give your dentist more options for keeping the tooth.
Endodontic Services
- Endodontic Services Overview
- Root Canal Treatment
- Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
Pain when you bite? Let us take a look
Call 780-944-2828 or book an appointment online.