How a Cracked Molar is Treated

You’re minding your own business, enjoying your dinner when suddenly – ouch! You have sudden and sharp pain in your mouth.

If you have a recurrent discomfort to heat and cold, pain when biting, and sensitivity to sugar, it’s highly possible that you have cracked a molar. Fortunately, cracking your tooth doesn’t automatically mean that you’e going to lose the tooth; there are many options available to help you save it.

Saving Your Cracked Tooth: Treatment Options for You

Cracked teeth are highly common. We see it all the time in our office and have the skill and expertise to treat it. The course of action that we recommend for you is largely reliant upon the location and the extent of the damage.

There are five primary types of cracked teeth that we encounter at our practice:

  • Crazed Teeth: Tiny and shallow, these are primarily a cosmetic issue that can be easily buffed out.
  • Fractured Cusp: This isn’t typically painful, nor does it damage the pulp. This can be easily repaired with a filling or a crown.
  • Cracked Tooth: This is much more serious than crazed teeth or a fractured cusp, as it can go deep into the root. If caught early, we can perform a root canal and fit a crown over it to save the tooth.
  • Split Tooth: Unfortunately, a split tooth may be beyond repair. The crack often extends below the gumline and is two distinct segments. We will attempt to surgically save it, but an extraction with a bridge or implant may be required.
  • Vertical Root Fracture: Like a split tooth, this is another example of a tooth that may not be saved. If the tooth requires extraction, a bridge or implant can be installed as a replacement.

 

The severity and range of the damage determines the treatment for your tooth. If you suspect that you have a cracked molar, time is of the essence. The longer you wait for treatment, the worse the prognosis is for your tooth. Do not hesitate – give our office a call today and allow us to assess the health of your teeth during a comprehensive dental exam with our professional and skilled dental team.