Treatment of Cracked Teeth in Flint, MI
Lindemann Root Canal Specialists provides treatment for cracked teeth in Flint, MI. Call 810-732-7900 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
A small crack in a tooth can cause a significant amount of pain. In fact, you may not even realize that you have a crack in your tooth. Instead, you might experience symptoms like increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure and pain when you chew. Discomfort can be intermittent and it may cause a large area of your mouth to hurt, which can make self-diagnosis difficult. For this reason, it’s important to see a dental professional if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
A cracked tooth will not resolve on its own; it can only be expected to worsen with time, so prompt treatment is needed. Even a small amount of movement in the pieces of your cracked tooth can cause its pulp to become irritated, leading to sharp pain and toothaches. Without treatment, the pulp may become infected. This infection can spread to the surrounding gum, bone, and even your bloodstream.
Cracked Teeth Treatment
Endodontists specialize in saving natural teeth and eliminating the need for extraction, so there’s no one better to provide treatment for a cracked tooth. The sooner you make your appointment, the better, because once the crack reaches the root of your tooth, an extraction is unavoidable.
For teeth with cracks above the gum line only, a root canal will be performed to preserve your tooth. The damaged areas of the pulp and tooth structure are removed. The pulp is replaced with a rubber-like material and a dental crown is used to seal the tooth and restore it to its normal function and appearance.
There are also times when a crack is a cosmetic issue only. If your cracked tooth is not causing any pain, your tooth can be polished to wear away the cracks in the enamel. Dental fillings, inlays or onlays, and crowns can also be used to repair cracks in teeth and prevent them from spreading to the pulp or root.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Can a cracked tooth heal itself?
No, a cracked tooth will not heal itself. If left untreated, cracks will typically worsen and eventually reach the pulp or root of the tooth, causing pain and leaving the tooth susceptible to breakage and infection.
Can you see a cracked tooth?
Some patients are able to identify a cracked tooth, but often cracks are hard to locate or not even visible to the naked eye. This is why sensitivity and pain when eating are two of the most common symptoms that bring people to our office for cracked teeth.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked tooth?
The cost to fix a cracked tooth depends on the extent of the crack. If it’s superficial only, it may cost only a few hundred dollars to repair. A root canal and crown can cost up to $3000, while an extraction and dental implant can cost up to $5000.
How can I fix a cracked tooth at home?
A cracked tooth cannot be repaired at home. If you are experiencing a painful toothache because of a cracked tooth, a small piece of sugarless gum can be applied to the crack until you’re able to come into our office, but this is not a long-term solution by any means.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
If your cracked tooth is causing you a great deal of pain, it is considered a dental emergency. If a crack is only cosmetic, it’s important to get prompt treatment to prevent it from progressing, but this is not a dental emergency.
Call 810-732-7900 to schedule your appointment.