Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for tooth pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.
Types of Cracks
Craze lines
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.
Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
Treatable Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.
Salt Lake Endodontics PC
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As my dentist conferred with Dr. Rudd, I appreciated the fact I was consulted as to my wishes as to the extent of procedure that was to be done.
- Merilyn W
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I really enjoyed the visit, very nice and not what I expected, very positive experience, Christy was very gentle and professional, I would recommend to anyone, thank you for such a positive experience
- Kyle
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Very friendly and efficient.
- TOMASINA G
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Awesome
- Jeff W
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They were very friendly and did a great job. Highly recommend going to Dr. Rudd.
- Donovan S
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Thank you so much. Thank you for getting me in so quickly.
- Jordan M
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Very friendly and helpful staff. I called this morning and explained my pain and the staff helped me get an appointment today.
- Rosario M
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Highly recommend couldn’t have gone better and they really work with with you
- Mary C
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Highly competent office staff and doctor.
- John F
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Not in pain
- J M
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Overall the procedure went smooth and the dental assistant and doctor were friendly and knowledgeable.
- Anthony V
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Great experience
- Devin A
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Staff was excellent, quick and friendly.
- Kerri H
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Great job!!!
- Anonymous
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I was very pleased with the work that was performed by the Doc and the staff excellent experience .I will return if I need any work to be done on my teeth and recommend them ,thank you guys will keep in touch.
- Normand G
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The staff were very nice and made me fill comfortable.
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Happy, thanks
- Tyler W
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Very welcoming and professional.
- Giovannie S
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Friendly and very helpful smiles on everyone and kindness all around
- Melissa B
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For what was a terrifying procedure the staff and Dr. Rudd made me feel right at ease. Would highly recommend!
- Karly W