Cracked Teeth
Endodontic Diagnosis
Charlotte Root Canal Center diagnoses and treats cracked, fractured, and split teeth at 2809 Coltsgate Road, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28211. Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD uses advanced diagnostic techniques to identify cracks that are often invisible on standard X-rays. Early diagnosis is critical — a cracked tooth can often be saved with endodontic treatment if caught before the crack extends below the gum line. Call (704) 375-4252 if you suspect a cracked tooth.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Craze lines: Tiny, shallow cracks in the outer enamel only. Common in adults. Usually painless and require no treatment — they are cosmetic, not structural.
Fractured cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, usually around a large filling. May or may not cause pain. Typically repaired with a crown. Root canal therapy is needed if the fracture extends into the pulp.
Cracked tooth: A crack that extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root. The tooth is still in one piece but the crack may extend into the pulp, causing pain when biting or sensitivity to hot and cold. Root canal therapy followed by a crown can often save the tooth if treated early.
Split tooth: A cracked tooth that has progressed until the tooth splits into two distinct segments. A split tooth usually cannot be saved intact, but depending on the position of the split, it may be possible to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical root fracture: A crack that begins at the root and extends upward toward the chewing surface. These fractures often go undetected until the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment usually requires extraction of the tooth or the fractured root.
Signs of a Cracked Tooth
• Sharp pain when biting or chewing that comes and goes — especially when releasing the bite
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Pain that is difficult to pinpoint — it may feel like it’s coming from several teeth
• Discomfort that comes and goes but never presents as a constant ache
• Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth
What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Teeth can crack from biting on hard objects (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, pens), teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), trauma from accidents or sports injuries, large existing fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure, sudden temperature changes in the mouth (such as eating hot food followed immediately by ice water), and natural age-related wear — teeth become more susceptible to cracks over time.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, location, and extent of the crack:
Crown: For fractured cusps and minor cracks that have not reached the pulp, a crown can hold the tooth together and restore function.
Root canal + crown: For cracks that extend into the pulp, root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp and a crown protects and holds the tooth together.
Extraction: For split teeth or vertical root fractures that cannot be saved. Dr. Sunar can refer you to Charlotte Dental Implant Center for implant replacement if extraction is necessary.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
A cracked tooth will not heal on its own — cracks only get worse over time. The earlier a crack is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth. If you experience any of the symptoms above, do not wait. Call Charlotte Root Canal Center at (704) 375-4252 for an evaluation. Dr. Sunar uses specialized techniques to identify cracks that are invisible on standard dental X-rays.
Related Services
Cracked tooth causing severe pain? We offer same-day emergency appointments.
Crack extends into the pulp? Root canal therapy can save the tooth.
Experiencing sensitivity? Learn about tooth sensitivity diagnosis and treatment.
Suspect a Cracked Tooth?
Early diagnosis is critical. Call Charlotte Root Canal Center for an evaluation before the crack worsens.
Call (704) 375-4252