Cracked Tooth Treatments in Burien, WA
Cracked teeth can be a significant source of discomfort and concern, often leading to challenges with chewing, sensitivity, or even sharp pain. At Burien Endodontics, we understand that preserving your natural teeth is vital to maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. Whether the issue requires root canal therapy or other targeted treatments, we are here to provide expert care in a calm and supportive environment.
At Burien Endodontics, we focus on providing precise and compassionate care for cracked teeth, using advanced technology like CBCT scans and digital imaging to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Our dedication to preserving your natural teeth drives every decision, ensuring you receive care tailored to your needs. With a commitment to patient education and comfort, we aim to make your treatment experience as seamless as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
While some cracked teeth result in clear symptoms, some teeth with damage may not have any indicators or signs. Regardless, the following are some signs that indicate you should speak with an endodontist or dental provider:
- Pain: Sharp pain while biting down or clenching your jaw may indicate you have a cracked tooth.
- Increased sensitivity: You may have a cracked tooth if you find newer sensitivity to temperature or sweets.
- Swelling: The gums around the affected tooth may swell or get inflamed.
- Discoloration: If your tooth looks darker or more gray, this could signify that a tooth is cracked and decaying.
- Visual crack: While not all cracks on a tooth can be seen with the naked eye, many of these signs of damage are visible. If you see a crack, fracture, break, or chip, we encourage you to seek support from a dental provider.
Additional signs may indicate you need dental attention sooner rather than later. If you need support from a dental provider at Burien Endodontics, we encourage you to reach out to us at your convenience. We can help identify and address any dental issues with the best treatment for your needs and lifestyle.
What Happens If Cracked Teeth Are Left Untreated?
While going to the dentist may feel stressful for some patients, we encourage you to seek dental support sooner rather than later. While some cracked teeth can be left alone, leaving a tooth untreated when it’s necessary may lead to the following consequences:
- Worsened pain and sensitivity over time due to the dentin layer being exposed.
- Bacterial infections, which may impact more than one tooth, potentially spreading to the gums and bone in the oral cavity.
- Teeth may become more damaged and become a tooth fracture, eventually splitting a tooth into two or more parts.
- More extensive treatments that require greater costs, time commitments, pain, and other complications.
If you want to maintain your natural teeth and save time, money, and discomfort in the long term, contact Burien Endodontics at your convenience. We can help you manage pain and healing, provide guidance and recommendations based on your specific experiences, and much more.
What Is the Prognosis of a Cracked Tooth?
Some common types of cracks are superficial and require no intervention while other cracks can eventually lead to the loss of your tooth. A cracked tooth can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The movement along the crack irritates the nerve of the tooth. If cracks and fractures are left untreated they can allow bacteria from your saliva to penetrate the tooth and cause infection.
How We Can Help with Cracked Teeth in Burien, WA
Cracked teeth can lead to significant discomfort and potential complications if left untreated, but timely and effective care can make all the difference. At Burien Endodontics, we offer advanced diagnostic tools to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our team is here to make your experience as comfortable and seamless as possible, combining expertise with a patient-centered approach in our state-of-the-art office. If you suspect a cracked tooth or have experienced symptoms like pain, sensitivity, or visible damage, don’t wait to seek support. Call us at (253) 683-7854 or use our contact form to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Common signs include pain when chewing or biting (especially when releasing the bite), sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, intermittent pain that comes and goes, swelling around the affected tooth, and difficulty pinpointing which tooth hurts. Not all cracks cause symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are important.
Teeth can crack due to various factors including biting on hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts), teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), large old fillings that weaken tooth structure, trauma or injury to the face, extreme temperature changes in the mouth, and age-related wear. Sometimes, natural chewing forces over time can lead to cracks in teeth with no other contributing factors.
Not all cracked teeth can be saved. The prognosis depends on the size, location, and extent of the crack. Cracks that extend below the gumline into the root or that split the tooth completely may not be treatable except by extraction. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to infection, increased pain, and possible tooth loss. Timely treatment helps prevent further complications.
No, a chipped tooth typically affects only the enamel and may not cause pain, while a cracked tooth can extend deeper and lead to discomfort or infection.
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for cracked tooth treatments, especially if the procedure is medically necessary. Check with your provider for details on your specific coverage.
If you suspect a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, avoid chewing on the affected side, and see an endodontist as soon as possible for evaluation and emergency treatment.
Modern dental techniques and anesthetics make treatment comfortable. You may experience some sensitivity after certain procedures, but this typically resolves quickly. Your dentist will provide recommendations for managing any post-treatment discomfort.