Treatment options to repair cracked teeth in Ft. Worth, Texas
That moment you bite down on something hard and feel a sudden, sharp pain can be alarming. You might wonder if you've just experienced one of the most common dental injuries: a cracked tooth. While it can be a frightening experience, understanding your options and seeking prompt treatment is the key to saving your tooth and relieving pain. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we specialize in managing and treating cracked teeth to restore your oral health and keep you smiling.
A cracked tooth might not seem like an emergency, but ignoring it can lead to more severe problems. Even a small crack can allow bacteria to enter the inner pulp of your tooth, causing infection, decay and intense pain. Without proper care, you risk losing the tooth entirely. Fortunately, modern endodontics offers several effective treatments for cracked teeth. This guide will walk you through the causes and symptoms of cracked teeth and explain the treatment options available at our Fort Worth practice.
Understanding cracked teeth
A cracked tooth can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it’s from chewing on hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels. Other times, it can be the result of a sports injury, teeth grinding or even just natural aging. A large filling, like one from a cracked tooth from a cavity, can also weaken the tooth structure and make it more susceptible to cracking.
Common causes and symptoms
The cracked teeth symptoms can vary widely. You might experience:
Pain when chewing, especially when you release your bite.
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth.
Pain that comes and goes, making it difficult to pinpoint.
Because these symptoms can be inconsistent, it's often difficult for patients to diagnose the problem on their own. That's why seeking professional evaluation is so important.
Why prompt treatment is essential
When a tooth cracks, the protective outer layers—the enamel and dentin—are compromised. This creates an opening for bacteria to reach the soft inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected, it can lead to an abscess, severe pain and eventually, tooth loss. Early treatment is your best chance to prevent these complications and save your natural tooth. Preserving your natural teeth is always our priority, as they are stronger and function better than any artificial replacement.
Cracked tooth options at West Fort Worth Endodontics
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we use advanced technology and specialized techniques to diagnose and treat cracked teeth. Our approach is tailored to your specific situation, ensuring you receive the most effective and personalized care possible. Here are some of the primary cracked tooth options we offer.
Root canal therapy
If a crack has reached the tooth's pulp and caused an infection, root canal therapy is often the best solution. During this procedure, our endodontist will carefully remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth and then fill and seal it. Afterward, your general dentist will typically place a crown on the tooth to protect it from further damage. Modern root canal therapy is a comfortable, pain-relieving procedure that can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Apicoectomy
In some cases, an infection may persist in the jawbone at the tip of the tooth's root even after a root canal. An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is a procedure designed to treat this. Our endodontist will access the root tip through the gum tissue, remove the infected tissue along with the very end of the root and place a small filling to seal the root canal. This procedure can resolve lingering infections and save a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment.
Cracked tooth management
Not all cracked teeth require a root canal or surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the type, location and severity of the crack. For minor cracks that only affect the outer enamel, no treatment may be needed. For more significant fractures, a crown may be sufficient to hold the tooth together and protect it. Our board-certified endodontists will carefully evaluate your tooth to determine the best course of action for long-term success.
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging
Diagnosing a cracked tooth can be challenging, as many cracks are too small to be seen on traditional X-rays. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we use advanced Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. This technology provides detailed, three-dimensional images of your teeth, bone and surrounding tissues. With CBCT, we can precisely locate the crack, determine its extent and plan the most effective treatment. This level of accuracy is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome and saving your tooth.
Why choose West Fort Worth Endodontics?
When you’re dealing with a painful and potentially serious issue like a cracked tooth, you want to be sure you're in the best hands. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we combine expertise, advanced technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver the highest quality care in the Fort Worth area.
Board-certified endodontists
Our practice is led by Dr. Francisco Nieves and Dr. Alex Fitzhugh, both of whom are board-certified endodontists. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement in the specialty of endodontics, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and ongoing education. With their extensive training and experience, you can trust that you are receiving care from true specialists in saving teeth.
Advanced technology and personalized care
We believe that no two patients are alike. We use the latest technology, like CBCT imaging and the GentleWave® Procedure, to provide tailored treatments that address your unique needs. Our team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, explaining every step of the process and ensuring you feel at ease.
Convenient location and comprehensive services
Our office is conveniently located in west Fort Worth, serving patients from surrounding communities like Benbrook, Aledo and Weatherford. We offer a full range of endodontic services, from root canal therapy to emergency dental pain diagnosis, all under one roof.
WFWE: Your partner in preserving your smile
A cracked tooth can be a painful and stressful experience, but it doesn't have to mean losing your tooth. With the right care from a specialized endodontist, you can find relief and protect your smile for years to come. The team at West Fort Worth Endodontics is here to provide the expert diagnosis and treatment you need.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a cracked tooth or have been referred to an endodontist, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Contact West Fort Worth Endodontics today to schedule an appointment. We're dedicated to relieving your pain and preserving your natural teeth.