Understanding Cracked and Chipped Teeth
Cracked and chipped teeth can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural damage that puts your tooth at risk. While a small chip may not cause immediate symptoms, a crack can extend deep into the tooth and affect the pulp—the soft tissue inside—leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss if left untreated. At 3D MicroEndo, we specialize in diagnosing and treating internal tooth damage caused by cracks, fractures, and trauma, using precision imaging and advanced endodontic techniques.
Types of Cracked and Chipped Teeth
Not all cracks are the same. Accurate diagnosis is essential to determining the right course of treatment.
Common types include:
- Craze Lines: Superficial cracks in the enamel, usually harmless
- Fractured Cusp: Breaks around a dental filling or weakened area of the tooth
- Cracked Tooth: A vertical crack that may extend into the root and pulp
- Split Tooth: A more advanced crack that separates the tooth into segments
- Vertical Root Fracture: A crack that begins in the root and extends upward—often only visible through advanced imaging
Symptoms of a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Some cracks are visible, while others show no symptoms until the damage progresses. Be on the lookout for:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
- Intermittent or localized tooth pain
- A visible line or chip on the tooth
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- Difficulty identifying which tooth is hurting
How We Treat Cracked and Chipped Teeth
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack. At 3D MicroEndo, we focus on preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.
Step 1: Advanced Imaging & Evaluation
We use digital X-rays and 3D CBCT scans to identify hidden fractures and assess the depth of the crack.
Step 2: Root Canal Therapy (if needed)
If the crack has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove inflamed or infected tissue and stabilize the tooth.
Step 3: Restoration & Monitoring
We’ll work with your general dentist to place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth. Severe cracks may require surgery or extraction if the structure cannot be saved.
Why Choose 3D MicroEndo for Cracked Tooth Treatment?
Our endodontic specialists are highly trained in diagnosing subtle fractures that general dental exams can miss. Using surgical microscopes, CBCT technology, and years of clinical expertise, we can detect and treat cracks before they lead to tooth loss. With offices in the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and Gramercy Park, 3D MicroEndo is Manhattan’s trusted provider for advanced tooth preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While some minor chips may be smoothed or bonded, cracks cannot heal without professional treatment.
Not always—but if the chip causes pain, exposes the nerve, or results from trauma, you should seek care promptly.
Cracks are not always visible. If you experience sharp pain while chewing or unexplained sensitivity, you may have a crack below the surface.
The crack can worsen, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to infection, root damage, or loss of the tooth.
If the crack reaches the pulp, yes. A root canal can remove damaged tissue and prevent further complications.