How Endodontists Can Save Your Tooth
A cracked tooth is a common dental problem that can occur when a tooth sustains a crack, whether from trauma, wear and tear, or tooth grinding. Cracked teeth can vary in severity, from small, superficial cracks that may not require treatment to large, deep cracks that can affect the nerve and pulp of the tooth, also called a vertical root fracture.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth can include pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and pain when the tooth is released from biting or chewing pressure. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, making it hard to diagnose, and the crack can be seen only on radiographic images.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the pulp and the nerves of teeth, including cracked teeth. They are equipped with the necessary expertise and technology to detect and repair cracked teeth.
Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the location, size and the degree of the crack and the extent of the damage. Endodontist will first do a thorough examination, may use diagnostic tools like radiographs, cone beam CT, or even a microscope to examine the tooth, in order to determine the extent of the crack and the best course of treatment.
If the crack is small and superficial, the tooth may be able to be saved with a filling or a crown. However, if the crack is deep and has affected the nerve or pulp of the tooth, a root canal procedure