If caught early enough, endodontic therapy, as well as other treatment and a definitive restoration by your dentist can save your tooth. However, if it is discovered that the extent of the fracture is too severe, pulling (extraction) the tooth may be recommended.
A Cracked Tooth is a type of tooth injury when a fracture, or multiple fracture lines, are present in the tooth. These fractures occur over time due to stresses such as clenching, grinding, or chewing hard objects. Once these fractures approach or enter the nerve (pulp) of the tooth, the pulp becomes irritated, and symptoms may develop due to the ingress of bacteria from the oral cavity. These symptoms can range from pain to hot or cold, pain to biting, or no symptoms may be present at all.
There are several categories of teeth with fractures present depending mainly on the extent and location of the fracture (cracked teeth, cusp fracture, split tooth, vertical root fracture) The prognosis of cracked teeth depends mainly on the extent and location of the fracture. Thorough diagnostic testing and x-ray (radiographic) imaging will be completed to help determine which type you have. Additionally, Cone Beam CT 3D imaging may be recommended to help identify the extent and precise location of the fracture. The prognosis will be explained to you, as well as the recommended treatment.
