Cracks in your teeth can develop over time and often worsen if you delay treatment. Whether your tooth damage is from crack-inducing habits like teeth grinding, accidents, or chewing complex objects, Endodontics Associates of Georgia offers expert diagnosis and treatment for cracked teeth in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding regions. Schedule an appointment today to save your tooth!
What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
Cracks may be obvious, but it can be challenging if the symptoms are intermittent. Treating the crack urgently is vital because the fracture progresses over time, causing further damage.
If you think you have a cracked tooth, schedule an appointment with our endodontic team, Drs. Damaries Candelario-Soto, Yanina Figueroa, Joseph Yoo, Shaletha Bolden, and Yasir Al-Drugh, for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
Some warning signs of cracked teeth include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Pain after releasing bite pressure.
- Intermittent pain.
- Visible cracks on your tooth.
Inside your tooth, you have the pulp chamber, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When you have a fractured tooth, chewing or applying pressure moves the hard outer pieces, irritating the pulp, which often manifests as a sharp, instant pain. Continued chewing can inflame the pulp tissue to the point where it cannot heal naturally. At this stage, your tooth may hurt while chewing and when exposed to different temperatures. Without treatment, infection grows within the tooth and spreads to the surrounding bone and teeth.
What are the different types of cracked teeth?
Cracks manifest in several ways. They can form in the enamel and still leave the tooth intact, or they can cause a piece to break off. Even minor cracks can be problematic. While they may seem like a small faultline, if they are deep enough, they can expose your dental pulp to harmful bacteria, leading to a tooth infection.
The following are common types of cracked teeth:
- Craze lines: These shallow, zigzag lines form on the surface of the enamel and are not cause for concern unless you are bothered by aesthetics.
- Split tooth: This occurs when the crack is severe or allowed to progress, splitting the tooth into two, even though the two pieces are still connected. A split tooth may mean extraction, but our endodontic team can save your tooth with surgery.
- Vertical root fracture: These cracks beneath the gum line and progress towards the crown of your tooth.
- Fractured cusp: This occurs when the pointed part of the chewing surface (cusp) becomes weakened and can even break off at some point.
How are cracked teeth treated?
Cracked teeth rarely occur predictably. They often require diagnosis using advanced equipment available in our office. Our 3D CBCT imaging and surgical microscopy can detect even the smallest cracks not visible to the naked eye or standard X-rays.
After diagnosis, treatment for a cracked tooth includes:
- Tooth fillings and dental crowns if the tooth isn’t infected.
- A root canal if harmful bacteria have entered your root canals. Our office uses state-of-the-art GentleWave technology for thorough and gentle cleansing.
- Endodontic surgery for fractures that start at the root end of the tooth.
Do you need cracked tooth treatment?
A cracked tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent infections and increase the chances of saving your tooth. If you suspect a cracked tooth, entrust your smile to an endodontic office that uses the latest dental technology. Contact Endodontics Associates of Georgia at (770) 952-0195 to schedule an appointment with any of our Atlanta, Kennesaw, Roswell, and Cartersville offices.
Meet the Doctors of Endodontics Associates Group
At Endodontics Associates Group, our board-certified endodontists bring exceptional skill, compassion, and advanced technology to every root canal procedure. With multiple convenient locations, our team is dedicated to saving natural teeth and relieving dental pain using the most biologically respectful techniques available, including GentleWave® therapy, CBCT imaging, and laser-assisted disinfection.
Each of our doctors is a specialist in diagnosing and treating complex dental pain, calcified canals, retreatments, and apical surgeries. We collaborate closely with general dentists and specialists to ensure seamless care and predictable results. Whether you're a patient in need of urgent relief or a referring dentist seeking expert support, our doctors are here to help.
Our mission is simple: preserve teeth, protect health, and provide peace of mind—one root canal at a time.