If you crack a tooth, you may not notice damage at first. Many people who crack their teeth may experience discomfort that comes and goes, discomfort while chewing, or extra sensitivity. Tooth discomfort is never something to ignore. When you have any type of tooth pain, schedule an evaluation with your dentist as soon as you can. Some cracks only appear during a dental exam or x-ray.

During treatment for cracked teeth, the endodontist will evaluate the damage done to determine the type of care you need. For example, if you have only cracked the tooth’s chewing surface, you may only need a filling or crown. However, for a crack that extends to the root, you will likely need root canal treatment to remove any bacteria that could have migrated into the root through the crack.

In cases of cracks that go below the gumline, your endodontist may not be able to save the tooth. Cracks below the gum line cannot receive treatment and need extraction. Usually, these cracks start small, above the gum line, and only get larger over time. Therefore, you should get treatment as soon as you can once you notice a crack. For a crack that completely splits the tooth, the tooth has separate pieces, and depending on the location of the crack; the endodontist may be able to save part of the tooth.