Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown

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CRACKED TOOTH TREATMENT IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown

A cracked tooth is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If not properly treated, it may have adverse effects on one’s health. Fortunately, root canals and crowns may help treat severe cases of cracked teeth.
Root canals and crowns are available at Scottsdale Dental Studio in Scottsdale and the surrounding area. We may be able to help save your cracked tooth.

digital example of a cracked tooth

What To Do About a Chipped Tooth

People suffering from a chipped tooth should schedule a dental appointment since professional treatment is the only way to fix it permanently. It is important to immediately take certain steps after chipping a tooth to address pain and protect the tooth and inside of the mouth from further injury. According to the American Dental Association, people should rinse their mouth with warm water right away to clean it.
After rinsing, they should apply pressure to stop any bleeding and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. People should be sure to save any pieces of the chipped tooth and wrap them in wet gauze to bring to our dentist. While waiting to see our dentist, people can use over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and discomfort.

CRACKED TOOTH SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

There are five kinds of cracked teeth: craze lines, fractured cusps, cracks extending into the gum line, split teeth, and vertical root fractures. Each type of cracked tooth shows different symptoms. With all types of cracked teeth, patients may experience pain when chewing or biting, tooth sensitivity, swelling of the gum around the affected tooth, and intermittent pain.

1

Craze lines

Craze lines have tiny, painless cracks in the teeth' enamel, and they typically do not require any treatment.

2

Fractured cusps

Fractured cusps usually occur around dental fillings without affecting the tooth’s pulp, and they are generally painless.

3

Extending Cracks

Usually, teeth with cracks that have reached the gum line require immediate extraction; however, they may still be salvageable if the crack has yet to reach the gum line.

4

Split teeth

Split teeth have cracks extending from the surface to below the gum line and can typically be separated into at least two segments.

5

Vertical root fractures

Teeth with vertical root fractures have cracks that begin from below the gum line and extend upwards.

TREATMENT FOR CRACKED TOOTH IN ARIZONA

Aftercare for a Repaired Cracked Tooth

Unlike in broken bones, the fractures in a cracked tooth will not heal. Some cracks may even continue to grow until they separate, leading to total tooth loss. Crowns protect the treated teeth, but even they are not foolproof. Fortunately, endodontic retreatment is possible if any treated teeth heal improperly or become reinfected due to external factors.
Knowing how to care for a repaired cracked tooth is arguably just as important as having it treated in the first place. With improper aftercare, patients may inadvertently worsen the pain and have the crack spread. Some pain or discomfort may follow most cracked tooth treatment options; however, this should be easily managed with painkillers (either prescribed or over-the-counter). Scottsdale Dental Studio also provides patients with post-treatment instructions to ensure the best results.

CRACKED TOOTH REPAIR IN ARIZONA

FAQ's About Cracked Tooth

digital example of a cracked tooth
  • Are cracked teeth considered dental emergencies?

    Yes. Some cracked teeth are minor enough not to need treatment. However, only a professional can confirm when this is true. Endodontists are specialists who have a total understanding of how to diagnose and treat the tooth’s pulp. If you have a cracked tooth, call us immediately.

  • Should I still call the endodontist if I hit my tooth, but I do not see any visible damage?

    Yes. Invisible damage can be just as harmful as visible damage — sometimes even more. With invisible cracks, teeth may be more likely to break or get crushed in day-to-day activities.

  • How can I prevent cracked teeth?

    Do not chew on any hard foods or objects. If applicable, refrain from clenching or grinding the teeth. See a dental professional about this issue if necessary. A dentist can get you fitted for a mouthguard to wear during sleep or while playing contact sports.

  • Why do cracked teeth hurt?

    When the tooth’s outer hard tissues have cracked, this movement may irritate the pulp. Even simple acts like chewing may move the pieces. The crack may close when you release your bite, at which point you will feel a sharp, brief pain.

  • Can my cracked tooth repair itself?

    Yes, but this is very rare. This phenomenon tends to be isolated to teeth with minuscule cracks on the outer layers. The process is known as remineralization.