Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor treatment but can still be saved and restored.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who treats problems inside the tooth with the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Their main goal is to save a patient's natural tooth if possible. This means they are unlikely to ever pull a tooth but will instead try to restore it through some type of endodontic therapy, like a root canal.
An endodontist can help treat oral health issues, including:
In these situations, the crack starts at the top of the tooth and extends downward below the gum line. This crack does not split the tooth entirely in half but does impact a significant part of the tooth structure, including the pulp in the center of the tooth.
A fractured cusp is when a significant piece of the tooth's chewing surface breaks off. If the pulp is exposed, a provider will likely recommend endodontic treatment.
This type of crack begins at the tooth root and extends upward. A vertical root fracture usually requires tooth extraction, but an endodontist can still save the tooth in some cases.
Endodontists are generally not in the business of extracting teeth. They will employ one of the following treatments to save the cracked tooth if possible.
This well-known endodontic treatment can often successfully remedy cracks extending below the gum line and fracture cusps where the tooth pulp is exposed. The process typically involved the endodontist removing the pulp from inside the tooth and disinfecting the inside of the tooth to prevent infection. Next, the provider fills the tooth with a biocompatible material such as gutta percha and fills the tooth. In many cases, the patient will return for a second appointment where a dentist or endodontist will place a crown over the root canal-treated tooth to reinforce it and restore its form and functions.
Though vertical root fractures almost always result in tooth extraction, there are cases in which an endodontist can save the tooth through a surgical procedure. If the crack only impacts a portion of the root's tip, an endodontist may perform an apicectomy, also known as root end surgery. During this procedure, the endodontist removes the apex or tip of the tooth root and seals the root canal. An apicectomy is often performed along with a root canal to save the remaining portion of the tooth.
Dealing with a serious cracked tooth is a stressful situation, but it is a problem that has a solution. Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist offers endodontic therapy to help save teeth compromised by trauma or decay. Call our team today to learn how an endodontist can help repair cracked teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.creeksideendo.com or call Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist at (303) 524-9343 for an appointment in our Lone Tree office.
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A root canal treats an inflamed or infected tooth pulp while preserving the natural tooth. Most single-visit root canal appointments take about 60–90 minutes. Front teeth usually require less time because they have one canal, while premolars and molars often need additional time due to having two to four canals. The general dentist numbs the…
An emergency dentist may recommend a root canal when tooth pain signals a deeper problem inside the tooth. Severe sensitivity, throbbing pressure, or swelling may indicate that the pulp tissue is irritated or infected. When the inner tooth cannot heal on its own, prompt treatment helps relieve pain and protects the surrounding bone and gums.…
A dental abscess develops when bacteria infect the pulp or surrounding tissues, creating a pocket of pus. As a root canal dentist, an endodontist evaluates these infections promptly because they can spread and threaten tooth and bone health. Recognizing a dental abscess early reduces pain, preserves teeth, and prevents complications.A dental abscess typically starts with…
A tooth abscess signals an infection inside the tooth or surrounding bone. Bacteria reach the pulp (the tooth’s nerve and blood supply) through deep decay, cracks, or failed restorations. Pressure builds as fluid collects, causing throbbing pain, gum swelling, and sensitivity to biting or temperature changes. An endodontist identifies the abscess source with digital X-rays,…
A root canal treats an inflamed or infected tooth pulp while preserving the natural tooth.
Emergency dentists commonly recommend root canal therapy to address pain at its source while saving…
Recognizing a dental abscess early reduces pain, preserves teeth, and prevents complications.
Prompt care for a tooth abscess prevents complications, preserves bone, and safeguards long-term overall health.
When it comes to any type of sedative, it is recommended to have a full…
If you are facing an issue that could threaten your smile, our endodontist can help.
