Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown Las Vegas, NV
A cracked tooth is not something to take lightly. They are painful and often get worse when left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to save the tooth and relieve any associated discomfort. Even if the crack has extended into the tooth's pulp, you can save it with a root canal and crown. The treatment and its ability to save the tooth will depend on the severity of the crack.
Root canals and crowns to repair a cracked tooth are available at Hybrid Dental in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the treatment options and discuss what makes the most sense for your dental concerns. Call us at (702) 628-5807 to schedule an appointment.
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. Craze lines have tiny, painless cracks in the teeth enamel, and they typically do not require any treatment. Fractured cusps usually occur around dental fillings without affecting the tooth's pulp, and they are generally painless. 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.
Split teeth have cracks extending from the surface to below the gum line and can typically be separated into at least two segments. Such teeth generally cannot be saved as a whole. Teeth with vertical root fractures have cracks that begin from below the gum line and extend upwards. 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.
“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.”
The Severity of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is when a patient has a tooth with a crack that is challenging to identify. It shows up most often on molars. The symptoms of CTS include pain and discomfort when biting into food or increased sensitivity to hot and cold. This pain comes and goes.
Many oral health conditions can lead to CTS. Common causes include grinding or clenching teeth, teeth with large fillings, or teeth that have had a root canal. Many people experience symptoms for months since CTS is so tough to diagnose. People who have experienced cracked teeth in the past are more susceptible to CTS in the future.
“Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is when a patient has a tooth with a crack that is challenging to identify.”
Cracked Teeth & Root Canals
As stated by MedicalNewsToday, the best treatment method for a cracked tooth is dependent on its location and the extent of its damage. Some, like teeth with tiny cracks that do not cause any pain or discomfort, may be minor enough to not require treatment. Minor treatment options include glue, plastic resin (also known as bonding), fillings, or crowns. For more severe cases, root canal treatment may be necessary.
During a root canal procedure, the endodontist removes any infected or inflamed pulp. They then clean and shape the inside of the root canal before filling it. Afterward, a crown is placed on the tooth's cap to protect and fully restore its functionality. Once restored, the treated tooth will continue to function as any other natural tooth.
“… the best treatment method for a cracked tooth is dependent on its location and the extent of its damage.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown in Las Vegas, NV
When a Tooth Is Beyond Repair
When a tooth gets cracked, our staff will do all they can to save it. Sometimes, a crown or root canal is not enough to preserve a tooth, and extraction becomes necessary to prevent infection and further decay. Fractures can also happen below the gum line, which can be harder to fix without removing the tooth.
If possible, the patient should try to save the tooth instead of having it removed. However, if tooth removal is necessary, dental implants can effectively replace the missing tooth. Patients will want to discuss any alternative options with our dentist when assessed for a root canal treatment.
“When a tooth gets cracked, our staff will do all they can to save it.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. How can I make sure my repaired cracked tooth stays saved?
Q. What is cracked tooth syndrome?
Q. What are the options when a tooth cannot be repaired?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the restoration dentistry procedure options?
Q. Are there signs that indicate I need for a root canal?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
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). Hybrid Dental also provides patients with post-treatment instructions to ensure the best results.
“Knowing how to care for a repaired cracked tooth is arguably just as important as having it treated in the first place.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I have a cracked tooth?
A. A cracked tooth mimics the symptoms of many other dental issues. However, you may experience discomfort when you bite down or be sensitive to hot and cold foods. Do not ignore these symptoms. The sooner a cracked tooth is diagnosed and treated, the better.
Q. What can I do to keep my teeth from cracking?
A. It is difficult to avoid cracked teeth; still, you can do some things to reduce your chances. Do not chew on hard objects like ice or pens, look into a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth, and wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports.
Q. Could I have cracked tooth syndrome (CTS)?
A. Cracked tooth syndrome is when the crack on the tooth is not detected on an X-ray or resides under the gums. Since the crack is hard to see, many people may suffer for months before seeking help. Our dentist will utilize many different methods to help diagnose CTS.
Q. Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
A. Inside the tooth is a soft connective tissue called the pulp. This pulp contains cells, blood vessels, and nerves. Pulp may become irritated when the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked and chewing causes movement of the broken pieces.
Scan here to view this page, Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Hybrid Dental was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Clark County and Nye County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Paradise, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Mt Charleston, Enterprise and Pahrump
- National Provider Identifier Database (1306143847). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Hybrid Dental on mobile
Back to top of Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown
QR code for Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown
Related Posts
Understanding Tooth Decay And The Need For Dental Fillings
Most everyone is familiar with the fact that dentists use dental fillings to treat cavities. What not everyone is aware of, however, is why dentists need to treat cavities with fillings or why teeth decay the way they do in the first place. We all want to keep our teeth healthy, and fillings have been…
3 Signs You May Need Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are often used by dentists to treat dental cavities. In some cases, they may also be recommended to repair cracked or worn-down teeth. Dentists look for certain signs to determine if a dental filling is necessary or if the patient would benefit more from other types of restorative care. In this review, we…
3 Things To Know About Dentures
Dentures can bring back chewing function and restore confidence for someone who has lost all their teeth. As a result, they are one of the most popular and economical tooth replacement options on the market. Dentists have been fitting patients with dentures for decades to keep them smiling and eating the foods they love.Though dentures…
Exploring The Different Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help patients achieve unrivaled brightness levels. When choosing one, knowing what they are, how they work, and their effectiveness is important. If you are considering ways to brighten your smile, read on.Teeth discoloration is a common problem that affects millions of people. There are several causes,…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Hybrid Dental on mobile