Cracked Teeth • Salem VA
Tooth Pain Explained
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for tooth pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.
We Invite you to read Patient Reviews about experiences with cracked teeth at Roanoke Endodontics.
Video: Understanding cracked teeth and treatments to save your tooth
Types of Cracks

Craze lines
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

Treatable Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.
Dental Patient Reviews: Cracked Teeth
This section is in progress. If you wish to rate your experience with Roanoke Endodontics, we invite you to fill out an online patient review.
Roanoke Endodontics
Patient Review by JOANN L
EVERYONE WAS EXTREMELY NICE TO ME
- JOANN L
Patient Review by Allie K
Great people
- Allie K
Patient Review by Sherri S
Friendly and intelligent staff. Spacious office. Sent here on referral by the VA because of the 3D digital imaging. Although I was excited to see the new technology, I did not notice a 3D digital image of the tooth that was diagnosed with a crack. Overall my visit was positive; the assistant was very experienced in her work and The Dr was sharp and impressive.
- Sherri S
Patient Review by Amber J
all of the staff was friendly, helpful, and responsive.
- Amber J
Patient Review by Woody L
Everyone was very nice. Great at explaining what was going on with my tooth, very detailed.
- Woody L
Patient Review by Rhonda D
I was very satisfied with my referral to this office. The staff was very kind and understanding of my concern. I would definitely call on this practice in the future if the need would arise.
- Rhonda D
Patient Review by Loretta K
Excellent care with both of my visits. Highly recommend Dr Laura!
- Loretta K
Patient Review by John W
Very professional and thorough. Excellent discussion regarding condition
- John W
Patient Review by Connie C
Thank you for your professional opinion
- Connie C
Patient Review by Corlett K
They were all very nice and helpful and made the visit much more bearable!
- Corlett K
Patient Review by Pamela S
Thanks so very much! You guys have went above and beyond for me! May God Bless Each Of You!
- Pamela S
Patient Review by Loretta K
Thank you for the prompt, great service! The staff was very courteous as well!
- Loretta K
Patient Review by Melissa L
Dr Garden explains everything and is patient and caring. Excellent care and service. Thank you!!
- Melissa L
Patient Review by Sheryl G
Very good experience.
- Sheryl G
Patient Review by Cindi F
The professionalism from this entire office is exemplary. I greatly appreciated the time Dr Garden took to explain the problem and options to me. Her kindness and honesty were commendable. I would not hesitate to visit this office again.
- Cindi F
Patient Review by Michael C
A well run Business, and extremely Professional in all aspects...
- Michael C
Patient Review by Brad C
Dr. Garden and her team were fantastic! Excellent service and thorough advice.
- Brad C
Patient Review by Ellen S
Staff and doctor were awesome. They were informative, professional, and efficient.
- Ellen S
Patient Review by Mona A
The office staff were helpful and kind to me. The doctor was very knowledgeable and I would have complete confidence in her abilities.
- Mona A
Patient Review by WILLIAM P
Having a root removed was something very new for me and I am very pleased with the result. It has saved the tooth and am healing very well.
- WILLIAM P