Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown Houston, TX
A cracked tooth is not something to take lightly. They are painful and often get worse when left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to save the tooth and relieve any associated discomfort. Even if the crack has extended into the tooth's pulp, you can save it with a root canal and crown. The treatment and its ability to save the tooth will depend on the severity of the crack.
Root canals and crowns to repair a cracked tooth are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the treatment options and discuss what makes the most sense for your dental concerns. Call us at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
There are five kinds of cracked teeth: craze lines, fractured cusps, cracks extending into the gum line, split teeth, and vertical root fractures. Each type of cracked tooth shows different symptoms. Craze lines have tiny, painless cracks in the teeth enamel, and they typically do not require any treatment. Fractured cusps usually occur around dental fillings without affecting the tooth's pulp, and they are generally painless. Usually, teeth with cracks that have reached the gum line require immediate extraction; however, they may still be salvageable if the crack has yet to reach the gum line.
Split teeth have cracks extending from the surface to below the gum line and can typically be separated into at least two segments. Such teeth generally cannot be saved as a whole. Teeth with vertical root fractures have cracks that begin from below the gum line and extend upwards. With all types of cracked teeth, patients may experience pain when chewing or biting, tooth sensitivity, swelling of the gum around the affected tooth, and intermittent pain.
“With all types of cracked teeth, patients may experience pain when chewing or biting, tooth sensitivity, swelling of the gum around the affected tooth, and intermittent pain.”
The Severity of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is when a patient has a tooth with a crack that is challenging to identify. It shows up most often on molars. The symptoms of CTS include pain and discomfort when biting into food or increased sensitivity to hot and cold. This pain comes and goes.
Many oral health conditions can lead to CTS. Common causes include grinding or clenching teeth, teeth with large fillings, or teeth that have had a root canal. Many people experience symptoms for months since CTS is so tough to diagnose. People who have experienced cracked teeth in the past are more susceptible to CTS in the future.
“Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is when a patient has a tooth with a crack that is challenging to identify.”
Cracked Teeth & Root Canals
As stated by MedicalNewsToday, the best treatment method for a cracked tooth is dependent on its location and the extent of its damage. Some, like teeth with tiny cracks that do not cause any pain or discomfort, may be minor enough to not require treatment. Minor treatment options include glue, plastic resin (also known as bonding), fillings, or crowns. For more severe cases, root canal treatment may be necessary.
During a root canal procedure, the endodontist removes any infected or inflamed pulp. They then clean and shape the inside of the root canal before filling it. Afterward, a crown is placed on the tooth's cap to protect and fully restore its functionality. Once restored, the treated tooth will continue to function as any other natural tooth.
“… the best treatment method for a cracked tooth is dependent on its location and the extent of its damage.”
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When a Cracked Tooth Is Beyond Repair
Cracked teeth that are not treated in time may eventually cause pulp necrosis, a condition in which the tissue inside the teeth dies. This may set off a domino effect of disastrous effects on one's oral and overall health, including total teeth loss. Teeth may be totally beyond repair if the crack extends below the gum line. At that point, tooth extraction will become the only viable option.
Though today's tooth replacement options are better than ever, it is still best to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Accordingly, patients should seek endodontic help as soon as they suspect they may have a cracked tooth. Early detection is critical for proper and effective treatment, and endodontic surgery may be adequate for more severe cases. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can help determine what is best for each patient on a case-by-case basis.
“Early detection is critical for proper and effective treatment, and endodontic surgery may be adequate for more severe cases.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. What if a crown or root canal cannot save my cracked tooth?
Q. What is cracked tooth syndrome?
Q. What are the post-care instructions?
People Also Ask
Q. What is it like to go through the process of receiving a dental crown?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Q. Are there signs that indicate I need for a root canal?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Q. What are the types of restorative treatments?
Q. What is entailed in the process before getting a dental crown?
Post-Care Instructions
After the cracked tooth gets fixed, patients will need to continue regular dental checkups and practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. This is true whether the tooth got fixed via a root canal or crown. Root canals have a very high success rate, and many teeth fixed using this procedure can last a lifetime. Unlike broken bones, a crack in a tooth will never completely heal, so if patients start to experience any discomfort, it is time to make an appointment to see our dentist.
“After the cracked tooth gets fixed, either through a root canal treatment or with a crown, patients will need to continue regular dental checkups and practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I have a cracked tooth?
A. A cracked tooth mimics the symptoms of many other dental issues. However, you may experience discomfort when you bite down or be sensitive to hot and cold foods. Do not ignore these symptoms. The sooner a cracked tooth is diagnosed and treated, the better.
Q. What can I do to keep my teeth from cracking?
A. It is difficult to avoid cracked teeth; still, you can do some things to reduce your chances. Do not chew on hard objects like ice or pens, look into a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth, and wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports.
Q. Could I have cracked tooth syndrome (CTS)?
A. Cracked tooth syndrome is when the crack on the tooth is not detected on an X-ray or resides under the gums. Since the crack is hard to see, many people may suffer for months before seeking help. Our dentist will utilize many different methods to help diagnose CTS.
Q. Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
A. Inside the tooth is a soft connective tissue called the pulp. This pulp contains cells, blood vessels, and nerves. Pulp may become irritated when the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked and chewing causes movement of the broken pieces.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
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