How Endodontists Diagnose and Treat Cracked Teeth

Imagine you bite down on something hard, and suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your tooth. Cracked teeth are among the most common dental issues, yet they can be difficult to detect without the right expertise. Unlike cavities or broken fillings, cracks may not be visible to the naked eye but can still cause significant pain and sensitivity.  Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating these hidden fractures, using specific diagnostic tools to identify and treat cracks before they can worsen.

Burien Endodontics provides expert care for diagnosing and treating cracked teeth using advanced technology like CBCT scans and dental microscopes. We focus on preserving your natural tooth and will carefully assess each case to determine the best treatment plan. Whether you need root canal therapy or another treatment, our team is committed to delivering precise, compassionate care.

What Is a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth can mean a variety of different situations. From craze lines to vertical root fractures and everything in between, each type of crack requires a specific treatment to restore function to the tooth. Some common fractures we diagnose and treat include:

• Craze lines: Craze lines are minor surface cracks on the enamel of the tooth. These cracks are typically superficial and do not require any treatment. 
• Fractured cusps: When a fracture is located on the chewing surface of the tooth, known as the cusp, a crown or filling can help fix the crack and restore function to the tooth.
• Cracked tooth: A fracture that extends down from the cusp and below the gumline but doesn’t split the tooth in half is considered a cracked tooth. Most often, a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.
• Split tooth: When a crack extends from the cusp down to the root of the tooth, splitting the tooth in half, a root canal, and restoration may help preserve the tooth. However, most often, the damage is too severe, and an extraction is required.
• Vertical root fracture: A vertical root fracture starts under the gumline in the tooth’s roots and extends upwards towards the crown. Endodontic surgery may be used to remove the fractured root and preserve a portion of the natural tooth, but an extraction is often necessary.

While tooth fractures often require diagnosis by an experienced endodontist using advanced diagnostic tools, including CBCT scanning and transillumination, there are several other signs that you may have a damaged tooth that needs evaluation. Pain is one of the most significant symptoms of a fractured tooth. However, this pain can manifest in various ways, which is why your tooth should be examined by an endodontist to find the root cause. 

Treatment Options For Cracked Teeth

Depending on the severity and depth of your crack, several treatment options exist for preserving your natural tooth and repairing the damage. These treatments include:

Root Canal

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures endodontists perform, with nearly 41,000 root canals every day. During this procedure, your endodontist will remove any infected or damaged tissue from the innermost part of your tooth, known as the pulp, and then clean and seal the roots of your tooth to prevent future infection.

Crown Placement

If you have a fractured cusp that doesn’t extend below the gumline, your endodontist may recommend placing a crown to help protect the tooth and restore full function. A dental crown is placed over your damaged tooth to look and act just like a normal tooth.

Endodontic Surgery

The most common endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy, which removes damaged root canals. This surgery is often used to try to save a tooth that may otherwise need to be extracted.

Extraction

At Burien Endodontics, we work to preserve your natural tooth as often as possible. However, in extreme cases where the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, an extraction may be the best option for providing relief and preventing further problems. 

Let Burien Endodontics Diagnose and Treat Your Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth can be painful, unpredictable, and difficult to diagnose without specialized care. At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced technology like CBCT scans and dental microscopes to assess fractures with precision, ensuring you receive the best treatment for your situation. Whether your tooth requires root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, or another intervention, we are committed to preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect a crack, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Our skilled team provides compassionate, expert care to relieve discomfort and restore oral health. Contact Burien Endodontics today to schedule an evaluation—call us at (206) 402-5147 or reach out through our contact form.