Cracked Tooth Treatment in Pasadena, CA
Preserve Your Natural Tooth with Expert Periodontal Care
A cracked tooth isn’t always obvious—but it can quickly lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss if left untreated. At Angha Perio, we take a conservative, diagnostic-first approach to identifying and treating cracked teeth. Our goal is to preserve your natural tooth structure whenever possible—while preventing complications like bone loss or periodontal damage.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Tooth cracks can result from a range of common causes, including:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Biting hard foods like ice or nuts
- Large fillings that weaken tooth structure
- Trauma or injury
- Aging and enamel wear
- Sudden temperature changes (e.g., biting into something cold after hot coffee)
Cracks often start small but can deepen over time, allowing bacteria to enter and affect the tooth pulp or surrounding gum tissue and bone. That’s why early detection and treatment are essential.
Symptoms to Watch For
You may have a cracked tooth if you experience:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Intermittent discomfort (not constant)
- Swollen gums around one tooth
- A visible line or fracture on the tooth surface
- An abscess (pimple-like bump) on your gums
Some cracks are too small to be seen but can still cause significant pain. If you're noticing any of these signs, a periodontal exam is the first step toward clarity.
How We Diagnose and Treat Cracked Teeth
At Angha Perio, Dr. Sarvenaz Angha begins with a thorough clinical exam and digital imaging to assess the type and depth of the crack. In some cases, advanced diagnostic tools or symptom-based tests are used to determine if the crack is affecting the tooth root or surrounding bone.
Treatment options may include:
- Splinting the tooth to reduce movement and aid healing
- Collaboration with your general dentist for restorative repair (crown, inlay, or onlay)
- Gum contouring or flap surgery if the crack extends below the gumline
- Tooth extraction, only when necessary, with immediate planning for replacement options like dental implants
When extraction is unavoidable, we provide gentle, surgical removal and may recommend bone grafting or ridge augmentation to preserve future options.
Why a Periodontist for a Cracked Tooth?
Not all cracked teeth need extraction—but when they do, the surrounding gum and bone health become critical. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Angha is uniquely equipped to:
- Diagnose cracks that involve periodontal structures
- Perform minimally invasive extractions
- Prevent bone loss and maintain esthetics
- Provide same-site planning for implants or tissue regeneration
- Help you understand the impact of tooth loss on your overall oral health
We also offer oral conscious sedation for anxious patients or more involved procedures.
Related Preventive Services
Catching a cracked tooth early is often the difference between saving or losing it. That’s why we strongly recommend routine periodontal exams and cleanings to monitor your teeth and gum health over time.
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, we may also recommend working with your general dentist on a nightguard or bite therapy plan.
Related Services You May Benefit From
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately, no. Enamel and dentin don’t regenerate. Small cracks can be stabilized or repaired, but left alone, they almost always worsen.
How serious is a cracked tooth?
It depends on the depth and location. Superficial cracks may only need monitoring, while cracks that reach the root can lead to infection, tooth death, or gum damage.
Will I need to remove the tooth?
Not always. When possible, we aim to preserve your natural tooth. If extraction is required, we offer solutions like bone grafting and dental implants to restore function and appearance.
Does insurance cover cracked tooth treatment?
Most PPO dental plans cover necessary diagnostics and treatment. We’ll review your benefits and all options before moving forward.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
Don’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth—Protect Your Smile Today
Early treatment means better outcomes. If you suspect a cracked tooth, let us evaluate it and recommend the most conservative path forward—always with your comfort in mind.
