Many cracked teeth can be treated successfully, depending on the type and depth of the crack. A vertical root fracture that extends deep into the root is often the most difficult to treat and may not be salvageable. Early evaluation gives us the best chance to determine whether the tooth can be preserved.
Pain upon releasing bite pressure is a classic symptom of a cracked tooth. The movement of the crack during chewing stimulates the nerve inside the tooth, producing a sharp, brief pain when pressure is released.
No. Unlike bone, tooth structure does not regenerate. A crack will not heal without treatment, and without evaluation it may continue to progress over time.
If retreatment cannot be performed, endodontic surgery such as an apicoectomy may be considered. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction followed by a restorative option such as an implant may be recommended.
Retreatment can be highly effective when the cause of the problem is identified and addressed. Success depends on the condition of the tooth and the underlying reason for retreatment, which is why thorough evaluation before the procedure is essential.
Common reasons include missed canals during the original procedure, new decay, a leaking restoration, or complex canal anatomy that was not fully visible at the time of the first treatment.
In most cases, the existing crown or restoration does not need to be replaced following microsurgery, since the procedure is performed through the gum tissue rather than through the top of the tooth.
Yes. An apicoectomy is the most frequently performed endodontic surgical procedure and has a well-established record in saving teeth that cannot be successfully treated through non-surgical means alone.
Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activity within two to three days. Full bone healing around the treated area takes several months, though most people experience little to no disruption to their daily routine after the first few days.
A root canal treats the inside of the tooth from the crown down through the canals. An apicoectomy approaches the root from the outside, through the gum tissue, to address infection at the root tip that cannot be reached non-surgically.
