Can we save your cracked tooth? Find out with a specialist-led evaluation!
A cracked tooth is a unique emergency. It does not always hurt, but it almost never heals on its own. In fact, ignoring a crack is one of the fastest ways to turn a simple tooth into an extraction.
At Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Owings Mills, we approach fractured teeth differently. Because we have an in-house endodontist, Dr. Ali R. Eghtesadi, working alongside a prosthodontist, Dr. Andrey Doroshenko, and a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Ed Lazer, we can assess whether your tooth is worth saving and execute the treatment under one roof.
Free Consultation: Call us today at (410) 697-6290 to save your natural tooth.
Not All Cracks Are the Same
Your prognosis depends entirely on where the crack is and how deep it goes. The American Association of Endodontists describes five common types of tooth cracks, but for patients, we simplify it into two questions: Has the crack reached the nerve? Has it gone below the gum line?
Here is how we categorize them at our Owings Mills office:
The “Probably Savable” Cracks
- Craze Lines: These are tiny, superficial cracks in the enamel. They are usually painless and do not require treatment, though you might request cosmetic bonding.
- Fractured Cusp: The “bump” of the tooth breaks off, usually around an old filling. It rarely damages the nerve. We can usually fix this with a crown.
The “Emergency” Cracks
- Cracked Tooth: The crack runs vertically from the chewing surface toward the root. If it has not reached the pulp, a crown might suffice. If it irritates the nerve, you need a root canal by an endodontist.
- Split Tooth: The crack has completely separated the tooth into two distinct segments. Depending on how deep the split goes, we might be able to save one of the roots (via an apicoectomy).
- Vertical Root Fracture: The crack starts at the root and extends upward. Unfortunately, this usually requires extraction.
Why You Need an Endodontist for a Cracked Tooth
You can’t treat a vertical crack with a simple filling. Bacteria seep into that opening, causing inflammation of the dental pulp. General dentists often refer cracked teeth out, but Dr. Ali Eghtesadi treats them right here.
As the dedicated endodontic specialist at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Eghtesadi has advanced training in diagnosing painful cracks using 3D imaging. He performs the necessary microscopic root canal therapy to seal the tooth from the inside. By keeping your endodontic care in the same building, you avoid waiting weeks with a throbbing tooth.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Not all cracks show up on standard X-rays (in fact, most do not). You might be suffering from a fracture if you experience:
- Pain when chewing or releasing (the tooth flexes open and snaps shut).
- Sensitivity to cold that lingers for several seconds.
- Intermittent pain: Unlike a cavity that hurts constantly, crack pain often comes and goes, making it hard to diagnose.
- Swelling of the gum line around that specific tooth.
If these symptoms sound familiar, do not wait for the tooth to split. Call (410) 697-6290 for an endodontic evaluation.
How We Treat a Fractured Tooth in Owings Mills
Because we have a full team of specialists, your treatment is not limited to “pulling it.”
1. Stabilization & Diagnosis
We use a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner to look for the fracture line. Dr. Eghtesadi will also use a microscope to search for hairline cracks invisible to the naked eye.
2. Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)
If the crack has reached the nerve (pulp), Dr. Eghtesadi will perform a root canal. He removes the inflamed tissue, disinfects the tooth, and places a special medication inside. This stops the pain immediately.
3. The Critical Step: Crown Placement
A tooth that has had a root canal is prone to splitting further. After your root canal, Dr. Lazer or Dr. Doroshenko will place a same-day dental crown. This crown holds the tooth together like a steel band around a barrel, preventing the crack from propagating to the root.
Extraction is the Last Resort
If a crack extends vertically below the gum line, the tooth may be non-restorable. However, because Dr. Doroshenko is a prosthodontist specializing in implants, we can usually perform an immediate implant placement after extraction. You don’t leave our office without a plan or without a tooth.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike a broken bone, tooth enamel cannot regenerate or grow back. Once a crack is there, it only gets worse with the pressure of chewing. The only way to “heal” the tooth is to cover and protect it (with a crown) or remove the nerve (with a root canal).
Why do I only feel pain sometimes with my cracked tooth?
Cracks open and close depending on how you bite. When you bite down and then release, the two halves of the crack slide against each other, irritating the nerve. This movement is what causes the sharp, shooting pain. When you are not chewing, the crack may close completely, and you feel nothing.
Can I see a crack in my tooth at home?
Usually not. Many cracks are vertical and hidden just below the gum line, or they run between the cusps where you cannot see them. Even many X-rays miss cracks. That is why an endodontist uses a microscope and 3D imaging to find them.
Does a cracked tooth always require a root canal?
No. If the crack is only in the enamel or the outer cusp and has not reached the nerve, we may simply place a crown. However, if you feel lingering sensitivity to cold or pain while chewing, the nerve is likely involved, and you will need a root canal to remove the irritated nerve tissue before the crown is placed.
How much does it cost to treat a cracked tooth in Baltimore?
Cost depends on whether you need a root canal (endodontist fee) plus a crown (restorative fee). Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of both procedures, as they are considered restorative rather than cosmetic. We will provide a full estimate before starting any work.
What happens if I ignore a cracked tooth?
Ignoring a cracked tooth almost always leads to a split tooth. Once the tooth splits into two separate pieces, it usually cannot be saved and must be extracted. What could have been a simple crown and root canal turns into an extraction, bone graft, and implant, which costs significantly more time and money.
Can children get cracked teeth?
Yes, though it is less common. Children can crack their teeth from falls, sports injuries, or chewing on hard objects (such as ice or hard candy). We treat pediatric cracks conservatively whenever possible, often with bonding, to preserve the tooth as their adult teeth continue to develop.
Why should I choose Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry for my cracked tooth?
Because we have an endodontist in-house. Most dental offices would need to refer you to another office for the root canal, then bring you back for the crown. That means multiple appointments at multiple locations. We do everything right here in Owings Mills (diagnosis, root canal, crown, and even an implant) if the tooth can’t be saved.
Save Your Smile Today
Don’t let a small crack turn into a lost tooth. Call Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Owings Mills at (410) 697-6290. You can also request your endodontic consultation online with Dr. Eghtesadi.
We accept patients from Baltimore, Owings Mills, Towson, Pikesville, and all surrounding areas.