Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth don't always present clearly. You might feel a sharp pain when biting down, then nothing at all. You might notice sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes.
These inconsistent symptoms are common with cracked teeth, which is also why many people don’t realize that something needs attention. The sooner you seek treatment from an endodontist, the better the outcome.
Why See an Endodontist for a Cracked Tooth?
Endodontists specialize in saving teeth. At Advanced Root Canal Specialists, we use advanced imaging technology like CBCT cone beam scans, fiber optic transillumination, and dye testing to find cracks that standard x-rays and visual exams often miss. Then, we tailor treatment to the type and extent of the crack, giving you a clear, honest picture of what your tooth needs and what to expect.
Types of Tooth Cracks We Treat
Not all cracks are the same. Here are some examples of what our endodontists may see and the typical treatment approach for each:
- Craze lines — These tiny surface cracks appear on the outer tooth enamel. They are common in adult teeth and rarely require treatment beyond monitoring.
- Fractured cusp — A piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, but the crack doesn't affect the pulp. Pain relief often occurs quickly after crown treatment.
- Cracked tooth — A crack that extends from the chewing surface toward the root. If it hasn't reached the pulp, a crown may be enough. If the pulp is involved, root canal treatment is needed first. Early treatment gives this tooth the best chance.
- Split tooth — A crack has divided the tooth into two segments. Whether the tooth can be saved depends on where the split is located. In some cases, part of the tooth can be preserved.
- Vertical root fracture — A crack that begins at the root and travels upward. These often go undetected for some time. Extraction is sometimes necessary, though endodontic surgery may be an option in certain cases.
Call for Help with a Cracked Tooth
If you experience pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature, or any discomfort that comes and goes, call us at (410) 772-9600. Advanced Root Canal Specialists offers early morning and evening hours Monday through Friday, with same-day appointments available for dental emergencies.
We believe in full transparency when it comes to costs, so we will provide detailed insurance breakdowns and estimated out-of-pocket costs ahead of time whenever possible.
ARCS serves patients from all over Maryland, including Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, Rockville, Laurel, and beyond.
Benefits of Cracked Tooth Treatment at ARCS
Precise, Accurate Diagnosis
Focus on Saving the Natural Tooth
Cracked Tooth Solutions That Last
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, no. Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth cannot repair itself. Once a tooth is cracked, the damage is permanent. Without treatment, the crack will typically get worse over time.
Why Tooth Cracks Don't Heal
Teeth can't regenerate the way other parts of the body can. A crack in the enamel or deeper tooth structure stays there. Chewing forces, temperature changes, and daily wear can all cause it to spread, often without warning.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
A crack caught early may need nothing more than a crown to stabilize it. Left untreated, the same crack can deepen into the root, reach the pulp, or split the tooth entirely—each of which requires more involved treatment and reduces the chances of saving the tooth.
What Treatment Can Do
While treatment can't make a crack disappear, it can stop it from spreading and relieve your symptoms. Most treated teeth go on to function normally for many years. The sooner you act, the more options your endodontist has to work with.
Advanced Root Canal Specialists offers same-day appointments for patients in pain. Call us at (410) 772-9600, and a team member will be happy to assist you.
We welcome patients from all over Maryland, including Columbia, Baltimore, Rockville, Laurel, and beyond.
Cracked teeth can be difficult to recognize because symptoms are often inconsistent. Common signs include:
- Sharp pain when biting or releasing a bite
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes
- Pain when chewing certain foods
- Discomfort that is difficult to locate
Some cracked teeth have minimal symptoms, while others can cause significant pain. A thorough evaluation by an endodontist can help determine whether a crack is present and whether it is the source of your symptoms.
In many cases, a cracked tooth can be treated and continue functioning for many years. However, the outcome depends on several factors, including the location, depth, and direction of the crack.
Some cracks only require a protective restoration, while others may require root canal treatment before the tooth can be restored. If a crack extends into areas where the tooth cannot heal or function predictably, extraction may sometimes be necessary.
Our priority is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible while providing an honest assessment of the expected outcome.
Not every cracked tooth needs a root canal. Treatment depends on whether the crack has affected the pulp, which is the living tissue inside the tooth.
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of the crack, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth can be restored. If the pulp is healthy and the crack does not involve the inner tooth structure, a crown or other restoration may be sufficient.
An accurate diagnosis is essential before deciding on treatment.
A cracked tooth may continue to worsen over time. The crack can extend deeper, eventually affecting the pulp or surrounding structures.
As the crack progresses, treatment options may become more limited. Early evaluation provides the greatest opportunity to stabilize the tooth and preserve it whenever possible.
Our Team
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The Team Behind Your Care
Read MoreAt Advanced Root Canal Specialists, we believe exceptional endodontic care goes beyond technical treatment. It’s about how patients feel, how clearly we communicate, and how consistently we show up for both our patients and referring doctors.
We are equally committed to fostering a positive, supportive culture within our team because we believe the best patient experiences are created by people who feel valued, aligned, and take pride in the care they provide. Our purpose, mission, and values guide every interaction and reflect our commitment to delivering care that is precise, …
Cracked Teeth Technology
Cracked Tooth Detection Technology
Cracks in teeth are notoriously difficult to find. They don't always appear on standard x-rays, and they can cause symptoms that come and go without an obvious cause. At Advanced Root Canal Specialists, we use a combination of CBCT cone beam imaging, fiber optic transillumination, and dye testing to locate cracks that other methods miss. Together, these tools give our endodontists a complete picture before any treatment begins.
Intraoral Cameras
An intraoral camera is a small, pen-sized device that captures detailed images inside the mouth. It allows our endodontists to show you exactly what they're seeing, whether it's a crack, an area of concern, or the progress of treatment, in real time on a chairside screen.
Seeing is understanding, and that clarity helps our patients feel informed and confident about their treatment decisions.