Cracked Teeth

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for tooth pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.

Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.

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Types of Cracks

A depiction of craze lines on teeth

Craze lines

These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

An example of a tooth with a fractured cusp

Fractured Cusp

When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

A sample of a tooth showing a treatable cracked tooth

Treatable Cracked Tooth

This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

A depiction of a tooth split with distinct segments

Split Tooth

A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.

An example of a vertical fracture starting at the tooth's root

Vertical Root Fracture

A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Olympia Office Phone Number 360-459-3636 Email Us

Northwest Endodontic Specialists

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Cracked Teeth reviews.

Patient Review By Dennis B

I had an emergency with a tooth. I reached out to Dr Goerig and his staff and they fit me into their schedule Later the same day. The front office was resort nice, and the reception people were welcoming and professional. Covid Protocols were followed so I felt completely safe. Dr Albert Goerig performed a miracle that was Painless. His assistants were 100% wizards. Before I knew it, my tooth problem was solved and I was/am one happy camper. Given a choice between a day at the beach or a root canal, I would normally take the beah. BUT if you gotta have One, these are the folks to see. Thanks. Dr Goerig and staff

- Dennis B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Kevin G

Had an emergent problem and the got me in within a few hours of my problem.

- Kevin G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Michael M

Complete professional. Everything I expect out of a visit. The Dr. and the staff are top notch, highly recommended. Great job!

- Michael M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By James S

For such an unpleasant experience and pain with my tooth, the whole staff made me feel at ease and took care of my situation quickly. Monica was incredibly helpful and professional. I truly appreciate her being there and keeping me up to date of everything that was happening during the procedure. Dr. A. Goerig was great and had a wonderful sense of humor, he kept the mood calm. All of this helped, especially this being my first root canal. Thank you all so much!

- James S

5 out of 5 stars on