Cracked Tooth Diagnosis and Treatment

The signs of a cracked tooth can manifest in many ways, such as sharp twinges while biting down, discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages, or an aching sensation under pressure. These symptoms frequently appear and disappear unpredictably, making it particularly difficult for patients to identify the source of their discomfort without a thorough examination by an endodontic specialist.

In many cases, pinpointing the exact tooth responsible for the pain proves difficult without specialized equipment. This is why your general dentist may refer you to Shore Endodontics, where our doctors use Zeiss surgical microscopes and Carestream CS8200 3D cone beam imaging to detect fractures that standard dental instruments may not reveal.

Chewing on a tooth with a crack can worsen the damage and heighten the risk of pain and infection. Each time you bite, the fractured segments flex slightly, aggravating the delicate pulp tissue inside and triggering discomfort. When biting pressure is released, the crack snaps shut abruptly, often producing a sudden, sharp pang. As this cycle repeats, cumulative injury to the pulp tissue develops, and the tooth becomes increasingly painful. Left untreated, cracks may allow bacteria to invade the pulp, potentially spreading infection into the surrounding gingival tissue and bone.

Tiny, superficial fractures called craze lines are extremely prevalent and generally do not warrant treatment. These hairline marks remain confined to the outer enamel layer and produce neither pain nor structural compromise. They are typically a cosmetic concern rather than a functional one.

A fractured cusp represents another type of crack that frequently produces little or no discomfort. This occurs when one of the raised points on the chewing surface develops a fracture that may cause a piece to detach from the remaining tooth structure. Even in the absence of pain, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended so that any compromised portion can be addressed before additional breakdown occurs. Provided the fracture stays within the outer structure and does not penetrate into the pulp chamber, root canal treatment is typically unnecessary.

When a vertical fracture runs from the biting surface downward toward the root, root canal therapy is generally required to alleviate pain, resolve or prevent infection, and preserve the tooth. Our endodontic specialists at Shore Endodontics perform these procedures using Zeiss microscopes for exceptional precision. After the root canal is completed, your referring dentist can rebuild the tooth with a restoration that restores both form and function.

A vertical fracture that propagates deep into the root structure and below the gumline may be beyond the scope of conservative treatment and could require extraction instead of endodontic therapy and restoration. Dr. Burman and our team will carefully evaluate the extent of the fracture using advanced imaging to help determine the most appropriate course of action.