Biting down and feeling a sudden sharp pain or spotting a small crack in your tooth might not seem like an emergency, but for an endodontist, it’s a red flag. Cracked teeth can quickly progress from minor discomfort to serious internal damage, including infection of the dental pulp. 

As a specialist in saving teeth, Dr. Brian Hall, DDS, in Frederick, MD, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. The sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the better the chances of preserving your natural smile and avoiding more invasive procedures later.

What Causes a Tooth to Crack?

A cracked tooth can result from a range of everyday activities and conditions:

• Chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy
• Teeth grinding (bruxism), often during sleep
• Large fillings that weaken tooth structure over time
• Sudden temperature changes (like eating something hot and drinking something cold)
• Trauma or injury, such as a fall or sports impact
• Age-related wear, especially in people over 50

Not every crack is visible, and not all of them hurt, at least not at first.

Types of Cracks and What They Mean

Understanding the type of crack helps determine whether you need monitoring, restorative work, or endodontic treatment:

• Craze lines: Tiny surface cracks that are cosmetic and typically harmless
• Fractured cusp: A break near a filling that usually doesn’t reach the pulp
• Cracked tooth: A crack that extends vertically toward the root, which may require a crown or root canal
• Split tooth: A deep crack that divides the tooth; often requires extraction
• Vertical root fracture: A crack starting in the root and moving upward, often difficult to detect early

The deeper the crack, the more likely the tooth will need endodontic care to preserve it.

What Happens If You Ignore a Cracked Tooth?

What begins as a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to:

• Increased pain or tooth sensitivity
• Bacterial infection of the pulp (nerve)
• Gum abscess or swelling
• Tooth loss or the need for extraction
• Spread of infection to surrounding tissue or bone

The longer you wait, the more invasive (and expensive) the treatment may become. Acting early often means preserving your natural tooth with minimal intervention.

When to See a Dentist or Endodontist

It’s not always easy to tell when a cracked tooth needs treatment, but here are signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Swelling around the tooth or gums
• Tooth discoloration
• Intermittent discomfort that comes and goes

Even if the symptoms are mild, a dentist or endodontist can help determine the severity of the crack and recommend the right treatment to protect the tooth.

Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

Depending on the type and depth of the crack, your treatment might include:

• Dental bonding for minor surface cracks
• A crown to protect a damaged tooth
• Root canal treatment if the crack reaches the pulp
• Extraction, only when the tooth cannot be saved

Expert Root Canal Therapy for Cracked Teeth in Frederick, MD

When a cracked tooth extends into the pulp, root canal therapy is often the only way to relieve pain and save the tooth. At Brian Hall DDS, we specialize in gentle, effective root canal treatment designed to preserve your natural tooth structure and restore your comfort. As an experienced endodontist in Frederick, MD, Dr. Hall uses advanced techniques to accurately diagnose the extent of the damage and deliver care with precision and compassion.

If you’re experiencing pain, sensitivity, or suspect a cracked tooth, don’t wait; early treatment is key to avoiding tooth loss. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and experience the expert endodontic care your smile deserves.