Cracked Tooth Care
Cracked tooth care is the specialty workflow of diagnosing and treating teeth that are fractured, split, or showing hairline cracks. The right diagnosis depends on the type of crack, and the answers range widely. Some cracks can be saved with a root canal and crown; some cannot. CBCT 3D imaging and a microscope are essential to telling the difference.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Hope Feldman · Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
Last reviewed May 5, 2026 · NPI 1275089088
When you need cracked teeth
These are the most common reasons cracked teeth is recommended. If you recognize any of these signs, call the office. We hold time daily for urgent endodontic care.
- Sharp, fleeting pain when biting on a specific tooth
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets that comes and goes
- Pain that releases as you let go of biting pressure
- A tooth that occasionally aches without obvious cause
- A history of grinding or a recent hard bite (ice, popcorn kernel, etc.)
How cracked teeth works at Hope Endodontics
- 1
Bite test & exam
A specialized bite test isolates the cracked tooth and the affected cusp.
- 2
Microscope inspection
High-magnification visual inspection often reveals the crack pattern directly.
- 3
CBCT 3D imaging
For deeper cracks or vertical fractures, CBCT is the only imaging that reveals the full extent.
- 4
Treatment decision
Depending on the type of crack, treatment ranges from monitoring + a crown, to root canal + crown, to extraction.
- 5
Treatment delivery
Same-visit root canal therapy if indicated; clear referral back to your dentist if the next step is a crown or restoration.
The technology behind every appointment
- Surgical operating microscope to visualize crack lines directly
- CBCT 3D imaging to differentiate treatable vs vertical-root fractures
- Methylene blue staining to highlight subtle cracks
- Specialized bite-test instruments
Typical cost
Estimates only. Actual fees depend on your insurance plan, the complexity of the tooth, and any additional restoration work. We provide a written estimate before treatment so there are no surprises.
| Item | Estimated range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked-tooth evaluation (CBCT included) | $250–$450 | — |
| Treatment if root canal indicated | See root canal therapy | Final cost depends on tooth |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my cracked tooth be saved?
- It depends on the depth and direction of the crack. Cracks confined to the crown of the tooth are usually treatable with root canal therapy and a crown. A vertical crack that extends into the root often cannot be saved.
- What causes cracked teeth?
- Common causes include grinding (bruxism), biting hard objects, large old fillings, age-related wear, and trauma. People with significant grinding patterns are more likely to crack a tooth.
- How quickly do I need to be seen?
- Soon. Untreated cracked teeth tend to worsen, and a crack that could have been treated with root canal therapy this week may become a vertical fracture next month. We hold same-day urgent slots.
- Will I need a crown?
- Almost always, yes. A cracked tooth needs the strength of a full crown to prevent the crack from spreading further. The crown is placed by your general dentist after our work is done.
Explore other endodontic services
Root Canal Therapy
Relieve pain and save your natural tooth with microscope-guided root canal therapy.
Apicoectomy
Microscope-guided surgical removal of infected tissue at the root tip when conventional retreatment is not an option.
Sedation Endodontics
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation options for anxious patients and longer treatments.
Pediatric Endodontics
Pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and vital pulp therapy for children and teens, with age-appropriate behavioral guidance.
Regenerative Endodontics
Pulp-tissue regeneration for immature permanent teeth — preserving long-term root development.
Dental Trauma Care
Same-day evaluation and treatment for knocked-out, fractured, displaced, or split teeth — minutes matter.
Endodontic Retreatment
When a prior root canal hasn't healed, CBCT-guided retreatment gives your tooth a second chance.
Endodontic Microsurgery
Apicoectomy removes persistent infection at the root tip and preserves your natural tooth.
CBCT 3D Imaging
High-resolution 3D scans for precise diagnosis and conservative treatment planning.
Emergency Endodontist
Same-day appointments for severe tooth pain, infection, and dental trauma.
Endodontic Second Opinions
Independent specialist review before you commit to a root canal or extraction.
References
- American Association of Endodontists. aae.org
- American Board of Endodontics. aae.org/about/abe
- NIH National Library of Medicine. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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