A tooth may crack for a variety of reasons, and in some cases, cracks may not be visible to the naked eye. If you experience pain when chewing and/or sensitivity to temperature changes and/or pressure, you may suffer from cracked teeth or cracked tooth syndrome (CTS).
The interior of a tooth, called the pulp, resides within a chamber beneath a protective layer of enamel and a sensitive layer of dentin. Pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. The nerves carry pain signals to the brain. With a cracked tooth, pressure and release of pressure irritate the nerves within the pulp which can cause pain that ranges from irritating to acute. Over time, this can cause the pulp to become permanently damaged, resulting in consistent pain.
Human teeth are strong.
However, teeth can become susceptible to wear, crazing (surface-level, web-like cracking), chipping, and cracking over time. Causes of cracked teeth include, but are not limited to:
The endodontist, Dr. Chung, may recommend dental bonding made of tooth-colored composite resin, to close a crack. Bonding is an in-office restoration that a general dentist or endodontist can complete in one visit.
A more significant crack may need a dental crown for restoration which can be completed by your general dentist
Once a crack has become large enough to allow bacteria to enter the nerve space, an infection can result. Root canal therapy can save an internally infected tooth.
If a crack extends to the gumline, restoration is usually not feasible. The tooth will likely need extraction and replacement with a bridge or dental implant.
I’d rather eat dirt than have another root canal. That said, if one were necessary, I would go IMMEDIATELY to Dr. Chung, she was overflowing with competence and confidence, and was cordial and personable. All the ladies in the office treated us as if we were family. I’d go back there in a minute!
Root canals are never any fun of course, but Dr. Chung was truly amazing. She was so attentive, painless, and careful. But what impressed me most is that she clearly worked intently enough to get me through the process as fast as possible without compromising quality. The staff there is pretty amazing too. So if you have to get endo work done, this is the place for it!
Great office, staff and talented Dentists. Took care me so well and fast. Even had a menu of goodies to make me feel better to pick from during my procedure and after. Dr. Chung and Tiffany her assistant were the best.
I wish there were ten stars to give! What an incredible place! Fantastic facility with high-tech imaging equipment. I came in with a tooth that had already had two root canals. Dr. Chung was able to assess the situation and was extremely knowledgeable and kind. The staff was incredible, kind and so helpful. When you're in pain, kindness is currency. And they have that in spades. Don't go anywhere else.
I cannot think that one could have a better dental experience…except for not having to go (LOL!) than the one I had at Five Cities Endo! Dr. Chung was simply amazing in every way and the team of assistants equally great! They took a normally stressful situation (needing a root canal) and not only made it virtually pain free (during and after) but were so focused on making me as comfortable as possible that I’m actually writing a positive thumbs up review for dental work. 😀 To say that I highly recommend them is an understatement. Thank you Dr. Chung and the whole Five Cities Endo team!!
