Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown

Lafayette, CA

When you crack a tooth, there are multiple tools and techniques to repair the damage. However, there is one option that stands above the rest: the dental crown. A crown is a cap, typically consisting of porcelain that matches the shape and size of the tooth. The crown acts as a strong cover that protects the tooth from infection and losing the tooth.

Without the crown, the tooth will not even be able to handle the pressure of chewing. It is important to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible by seeking treatment from a professional endodontist.

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Symptoms of a cracked tooth

To understand the symptoms of a cracked tooth, it is crucial to understand that the teeth have layers. The outer layer is known as the enamel, followed by the dentin and then the pulp. The dental pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp begins to move around or the crack is severe enough to damage the pulp, you will begin to feel intense pain. Symptoms of a crack in a tooth:

Erratic pain resulting from chewing
Pain when releasing biting pressure
Pain from consuming something hot or cold
Inconsistent pain that seems to come and go with certain actions
Difficulty finding the tooth that is causing the discomfort

Since it can be difficult to identify the source of the pain beyond the teeth, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. When one cracks the outer layer of the tooth, there is a possibility of the inner parts of the tooth moving around and causing irritation. In other cases, the crack can be deep enough that an infection forms in the dental pulp.

Without specialized treatment, the infection will spread to the bones and surrounding gums, causing a specialist to have to consider extracting teeth in serious cases. Fortunately, you can avoid all of those issues by seeking professional treatment from an endodontist. If you seek treatment to repair a tooth before the crack allows an infection into the tooth, then a dental crown will be the most effective fix.

The dental crown process

By customizing the crown, the endodontist can ensure that the crown fits properly on the tooth and the surrounding teeth. Not only will the crown protect the tooth, it will also have the appearance of a natural tooth. This way, people will not be able to notice that it is artificial in the first place. In order to place a dental crown, the patient will have to make at least two appointments.

During the first appointment, we will take measurements and a mold of the tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may need to remove a bit more of the tooth to place the crown. However, it may be better to place the crown without altering the tooth further. If the endodontist offers Same-Day Dentistry, then you will be able to get the crown that day. Otherwise, a dental lab will then customize the crown to the exact specifications of the mold. Once the crown is complete, the patient will return for a second appointment to place the crown.

The endodontist will place the crown and cement it in place. This way, the patient will be able to eat and use the tooth without worry. Contrary to popular belief, you will not need to stop eating your favorite foods with a dental crown. However, you may need to come in for some maintenance every few years.

Taking care of a dental crown

Since a dental crown is artificial, you will not need to worry about the crown becoming infected. However, you will need to continue cleaning the teeth and gums, being sure to keep any food from sticking to the crown. It is also beneficial to avoid biting down directly on anything that is too hard and avoid causing other damage.

By having an endodontist repair your tooth, you will not have to worry about the dental crown falling out or becoming loose. A dental crown is an effective solution to repair the cracked tooth in most cases. However, if a more invasive procedure is necessary, then an endodontist is the best place to be.

If you are struggling with a chipped or cracked tooth, do not hesitate to call today. It is crucial to seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Thanks to the easy level of care a dental crown requires, few people experience any difficulties with their dental crowns. Seek treatment today to save your tooth tomorrow.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown Lafayette

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Q. How can a dental crown treat my cracked tooth?

Q. How do I take care of a dental crown?

Definition of Dental Implant Terminology

Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.

Denture Base

The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.

Fixed Full Arch Restoration

A fixed full arch restoration is a common treatment option for edentulous patients who are missing either all or at least an entire arch of their teeth.

Full Arch Rehabilitation

Full arch rehabilitation involves using the All-on-4 ™ to help patients maintain and use a new set of teeth that look natural.

Graftless Procedure

A graftless procedure is a dental implant procedure that does not require the use of a bone graft prior to placing the dental implants.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Resin/Acrylic

Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.

Clasp

A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.

Edentulous

Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.

Fixed Provisional Bridge

A fixed provisional bridge is a dental bridge that a dentist cements in place for a temporary amount of time to see if it works properly before making the bridge permanent.

Full Arch Treatment

Full arch treatment is the treatment process of replacing an entire arch of missing teeth and ensuring that everything fits properly.

Nobel Biocare

Nobel Biocare is a company that manufactures dental implants and continues to innovate the market with new products and designs.

Stomatitis

A resin bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding t teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Pontic

Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

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Lafayette Dental Implant Center was established in 2004.
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