We Offer Specialized Care for Teeth with Cracks

All teeth have cracks.  Most are shallow and of no consequence, but teeth with deeper cracks can cause sensitivity or pain, or even loss of the tooth.  One of the most common reasons teeth develop deep cracks is large fillings that weaken the tooth.  Cracks are also often seen in patients who clench or “grind” their teeth, who have experienced dental trauma or who chew on ice.

Some teeth with moderate cracks can be treated with a crown to prevent the crack from spreading.  If the crack is deep enough to encroach on the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and other tissues, root canal treatment may be necessary in addition to a crown.  If the crack extends deep into the root, extraction may be the only solution.

If you think you may have a cracked tooth, you should seek specialty care from Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, Drs. Rick Davis, Rick Schwartz or Zac Liang.  They will diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment.  They have years of experience dealing with cracked teeth, providing expert care, even for complex cases. 

How to tell you have a cracked tooth

Whether you have a cracked tooth from injury or general wear and tear, you may experience erratic pain, especially when chewing. If you bite on the tooth just right, the crack separates slightly, causing pain.  This is sometimes referred to as “incomplete tooth fracture.”

The signs and symptoms of cracked teeth may include: 

• Periodic sharp pain when chewing
• Gum swelling around the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
• Sensitivity to sweets
• Visible cracks or chips
• Spontaneous pain

The discomfort may come and go, making it challenging for your dentist to diagnose correctly. Our endodontic team has seen it all — with a combined experience of over 50 years, there is no tooth problem too big or small. 

In some instances, tooth fractures may be noticeable, but there are times when the cracks are too tiny to detect, even with dental x-rays. Given the tricky and sometimes confusing nature of cracked teeth, it’s best to seek the services of an endodontist to diagnose and treat your tooth effectively.

Fractured tooth repair

At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, we employ various diagnostic tools, such as digital radiographs, 3D imaging, and electronic apex locators to diagnose a cracked tooth accurately. Once we have confirmed your diagnosis, the extent and location of the damage will determine the appropriate treatment. In some cases, placing a new crown may be the only necessary treatment. In other situations, root canal retreatment may be required to give your tooth a second chance.

Dental injury treatment for a healthy, pain-free smile

Don’t suffer with dental pain. Managing infection and pain is what we do at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, so don’t hesitate to call (210) 405-0473 for personalized treatment. We are located in San Antonio, TX, but we serve patients from all around South Texas, including the communities of Boerne, Spring Branch, Eagle Pass, Laredo, Kerrville, Del Rio, Fredericksburg, Cuero and Yorktown.