Specializing in treating cracked teeth, root fractures, and immature root development.
Accidents happen, from a fall on the playground to a hard bite on something unexpected. An injured or cracked tooth can often be saved, especially when it’s treated quickly. As endodontists, we focus on the inside of the tooth, where an injury can cause damage that isn’t visible from the outside.
When to call us
- A tooth has been knocked out or pushed out of place
- A tooth was chipped or broken in an accident
- Sharp pain when you bite down, especially when you release the bite
- Pain or sensitivity to hot and cold that comes and goes
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth that was injured, even months ago
If you’re not sure, call us at (801) 901-6095. A tooth can look normal and still have an injured nerve inside.
If a tooth is knocked out
Time matters. The sooner a knocked-out permanent tooth is back in place, the better its chance of surviving.
- Pick it up by the crown (the chewing part). Avoid touching the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Don’t scrub it, use soap or wrap it in tissue.
- Try to put it back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting down or with your fingers.
- If you can’t put it back, keep it moist in milk, in a tooth-preservation kit, or in your mouth next to your cheek. Don’t store it in plain water.
- See a dentist or endodontist right away, ideally within 30 minutes, and bring the tooth.
Baby teeth are different: they usually shouldn’t be put back in. Call your dentist for guidance.
Chipped, broken or loosened teeth
Even when an injury looks minor, the blood vessels and nerve inside the tooth can be affected. We’ll examine the tooth, take images, and check how the nerve is responding. Some injuries need treatment right away, while others need follow-up visits to make sure the tooth stays healthy as it heals.
Cracked teeth
Not all cracks are the same, and the right treatment depends on where the crack is and how far it goes:
- Craze lines: tiny surface cracks in the enamel. They’re very common, painless and usually need no treatment.
- Fractured cusp: a piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling. It’s usually repaired with a new filling or crown.
- Cracked tooth: a crack that runs from the chewing surface down toward the root. If it reaches the nerve, a root canal followed by a crown can often save the tooth. Catching it early matters, because cracks tend to grow.
- Split tooth: a crack that has divided the tooth into separate pieces. The whole tooth usually can’t be saved, but sometimes part of it can.
- Vertical root fracture: a crack that starts in the root. It may cause few symptoms until the area becomes infected. Depending on the fracture, surgery may save part of the tooth, or extraction may be the best option.
Teeth that are still developing
In children and teens, a tooth’s root may not be fully formed yet. When one of these teeth is injured, there are treatments designed to protect the nerve or help the root keep developing, so the tooth can stay strong for the long term.
Protecting your teeth
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and activities where falls are likely.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, pens and other hard objects.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard.
Schedule a visit
Call us at (801) 901-6095 or contact us. If you’re in pain, tell us when you call and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.