Cracked Tooth Treatment
Endodontics Specialist in Tampa, FL
Save Your Tooth with Expert Evaluation. Noticing a cracked tooth can be scary, at Tampa Endodontics we’re here to make sure you don’t face this alone.
Find and Fix the Hidden Cause of Your Tooth Pain
Cracked Teeth Aren't Always so Clear
A cracked tooth isn’t always visible to the eye, but it can cause frustrating, unpredictable pain. Unlike a broken tooth (which often shows clear damage), cracks can run deep inside the tooth structure and affect the nerve without obvious external signs.
We specialize in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth before the damage worsens, using microscopic magnification, 3D CBCT imaging, and advanced testing methods to detect fractures that other providers may miss. Our goal is to save your tooth, relieve your pain, and restore your peace of mind.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
How do you know if you might have a cracked tooth? Here are some common symptoms of a cracked tooth to be aware of:
Biting pain that comes and goes: You might feel a sharp or sudden pain when you bite down on a certain tooth, especially when you release pressure. It may feel like a jolt or shock in the tooth. This pain is often erratic, not with every bite, which can be confusing.
Sensitivity to temperature: A cracked tooth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. For example, a sip of ice water or a taste of hot coffee might cause a quick, sharp pain in the tooth.
Hard to pinpoint the pain: Because the pain can be intermittent, you might have trouble identifying which tooth is causing it. In fact, sometimes even dentists have difficulty locating a small crack because the symptoms can be unclear. You just know something hurts or feels “off” when you chew.
No obvious damage on the surface: You might not see a visible crack. Cracks can be tiny or hidden under old fillings or crowns. They often don’t show up on regular X-rays, so a tooth can crack without any obvious signs to the naked eye.
Gum swelling (in advanced cases): If a crack has let an infection get into the pulp, you might get a pimple-like bump on the gum or general swelling near that tooth. This means the crack has been there a while and the tooth’s nerve is infected (which is more serious and needs urgent care).
Don’t ignore these signs. If you suspect a cracked tooth, even if the pain fades at times, it’s best to see an endodontist promptly. Cracks can worsen over time, and early evaluation can save your tooth.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
Once the crack is located and assessed, we’ll recommend the most conservative solution to preserve your tooth. Common treatments include:
Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has extended into the pulp (nerve), we remove the inflamed tissue, disinfect the space, and seal it.
Crown Placement: After endodontic treatment, a crown is placed by your general dentist to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Monitoring: For minor cracks, we may recommend observation and protective measures.
Extraction (Rare): If the crack is vertical and reaches below the gumline or into the root, the tooth may not be savable. Saving your tooth however is our priority, and we explore all options first.
Why Early Care Matters
Think of a crack in a windshield. if you ignore a little chip, it can spread across the whole glass. Similarly, a cracked tooth that isn’t treated can gradually worsen: the crack can lengthen, and the chance of saving the tooth drops. Early diagnosis and treatment give us the best shot at preventing further damage. We want you to keep your natural tooth whenever possible, because nothing is as good as your own!
During treatment, your comfort is our priority. We ensure the area is fully numb via anesthetic, so you feel the least amount of pain possible. Do you get anxious? We can provide sedation (such as nitrous oxide laughing gas) to relax. Our expert and caring team is right there alongside you, and will provide clear after-care instructions after treatment.
Bottom line: Don’t delay if you suspect a crack. With early intervention, cracked teeth can often be saved and restored to normal function. With Tampa Endodontics, you're in excellent, capable hands.
Learn more about cracked teeth:
Don't Ignore that Pain, Schedule Today
Sometime cracked teeth are confusing, but the consequences of ignoring them are serious. If you feel pain when chewing or have lingering sensitivity, don’t wait. We help detect and provide treatment early so you can smile confident and pain-free.
If you’re unsure about your situation, stay on the side of caution and schedule and appointment. We can help determine over the phone if treatment is appropriate. Our patients are frequently surprised at how easy the process turns out to be.
(Want more tips and info? visit our Blog for procdure information and helpful advice.)
