Can a Cracked Tooth be Saved with a Root Canal and Crown San Francisco, CA

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.