At North County Endodontics, in Encinitas, CA, we are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of cracked teeth, ranging from obvious visible cracks to those too small to identify with standard X-rays and cracks beneath the gum line. To book an appointment with our experienced North County endodontists, call us at 760-944-0048 or send us a message.
What Causes Cracked Teeth?
A fall, bicycle accident, motor vehicle accident, or sports injury are obvious causes of cracked teeth. However, aging, teeth grinding, and failed dental restorations may also cause cracked teeth.
The most commonly cracked teeth are the mandibular molars in the back of the mouth. However, in some cases, a cracked tooth may not be able to be diagnosed by a general dentist because the crack is not visible (cracked tooth syndrome). In fact, some cracks are so small that although they cause pain, they cannot be seen on a regular dental x-ray. In these cases, dentists refer patients to endodontists.
At North County Endodontics, we are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and microscopes that enable our endodontic specialists to locate even the tiniest cracks in teeth and design a treatment plan to alleviate pain and restore good oral health.
Treatments for Cracked Teeth at North County Endodontics
The endodontic specialists at North County Endodontics will determine the appropriate treatment for a cracked tooth based on a variety of findings, including where the crack is located and whether the crack reaches the tooth root.
A crack in a tooth that does not extend to the tooth root can often be treated with non-surgical root canal therapy. During this procedure, the endodontist will create a tiny hole in the tooth to access the pulp of the tooth. The pulp will be removed, and the interior of the tooth, including the root canals will be thoroughly cleaned, often using the GentleWave procedure, which has been found via studies to preserve the tooth’s natural structure and may promote more comfortable, expedient healing. The interior of the tooth will be filled with a biocompatible material and covered with a temporary crown. Once the tooth has healed, a permanent dental crown can be placed to preserve the natural tooth.
Unfortunately, cracks that extend below the gumline often require tooth extraction. If tooth extraction is the only option, the endodontist will refer you to a dental implant specialist for further treatment.
WHY CHOOSE NORTH COUNTY ENDODONTICS?
At North County Endodontics, we’ve been serving North County San Diego area patients for 25 years. Our three endodontic specialists are highly regarded as among San Diego’s most experienced and skillful endodontists.
We have invested in state-of-the-art technology that few, if any, other local endodontic practices offer. For example, North County Endodontics boasts a Mora Vision Real-Time Stereoscopic HD 3D Video. This advanced technology offers enhanced comfort for patients, while endodontists benefit from visual clarity in real time, increased efficiency, greater precision in diagnosis, and exceptional magnification.
We also offer patients who prefer holistic care options such as ozone therapy, gas injections, or ozonated water irrigation to clean the interior of teeth during root canal therapy. These alternative therapies may potentially reach more difficult-to-treat areas within the tooth and may offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Book an Appointment at North County Endodontics Today
If you have undiagnosed pain, or your dentist has referred you for endodontic treatment for a suspected cracked tooth, contact North County Endodontics in Encinitas today at 760-944-0048 today. If you prefer, you may send us a message, and our staff will contact you to schedule your appointment.