Cracked Tooth Treatments in Burien, WA

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.

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.

A cracked tooth can be an emergency depending on the severity of the crack and your symptoms. If you experience severe pain, significant bleeding, swelling, or if a large piece of the tooth has broken off, you should seek immediate care. Cracks that expose the tooth's inner layers or nerve may also require urgent attention. At Burien Endodontics, we offer same-day emergency appointments to evaluate and treat cracked teeth promptly, preventing further damage and complications.

The urgency of a cracked tooth depends on the type and location of the crack. Minor surface cracks may not require immediate treatment, but deeper cracks affecting the tooth structure or causing pain should be addressed within a few days. If you notice persistent sensitivity, sharp pain when biting, or signs of infection like swelling, contact our office right away. Early intervention can often save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

A horizontal root fracture is a crack that runs perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth's root, typically occurring in the middle or lower portion of the root. These fractures often result from trauma or injury to the face. Treatment depends on the location and stability of the fracture. If the fragments remain close together and the tooth is stable, the tooth may heal on its own with monitoring. However, if the fracture is near the crown or causes significant mobility, root canal therapy or extraction may be required.

A vertical root fracture is a crack that runs lengthwise along the tooth's root, often extending from the root tip toward the crown. These fractures are more challenging to diagnose and treat because they may not show obvious symptoms initially. Vertical root fractures often occur in teeth that have had previous root canal treatment. Unfortunately, most teeth with vertical root fractures cannot be saved and require extraction, though in some cases, endodontic surgery may be attempted if the fracture is limited to one root of a multi-rooted tooth.

You can reduce your risk of cracked teeth by avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy, wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth, maintaining regular dental check-ups to catch problems early, addressing large fillings with crowns before they weaken the tooth, wearing a mouthguard during contact sports, and avoiding extreme temperature changes in your mouth. If you have teeth with large fillings or previous root canals, ask your dentist about protective crowns to prevent future cracks.