Cracked Teeth | Boca Raton, FL
What to know about a cracked tooth
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.
What happens
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.
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.
Call us with any questions or to make an appointment.
561-347-0091 Map & Driving DirectionsJordan L. Schapiro D.D.S. Endodontics
Endodontist Patient Review By Baron F in Boca Raton
Dr Elsner is just one awesome endodontist. Everyone dreads the thought of getting a root canal. Well let me tell you, Dr Elsner has that magic touch that makes a not so pleasant experience seem like a “walk in the park”. She has such a kind and caring manner that you just know right away that all is going to be perfect. Throughout the entire procedure she is constantly making sure you are comfortable and letting you know how far along she is in the procedure. I just finished up my follow up to my original root canal and I can assure you Dr Elsner will be at the top of my list if I should need another root canal. From the moment you enter the office you are greeted by office staff with a smile and a pleasant greeting. Hats off to everyone at Schapiro/Elsner Endodontics.
- Baron F
Endodontist Patient Review By Baron F in Boca Raton
No words can express my appreciation to Dr. Elsner and the entire staff at Schapiro Endodontics. On Sunday afternoon (3/14/2021) I left a message on the answering service explaining that I was in terrible pain from a tooth that needed a root canal. Early Monday morning I received a call back from the office and was told both dentists had a full schedule for the day, but they would try to fit me in. Within 30 minutes they called back and said that Dr. Elsner would be able to see me a 1 pm that day. What a great front office staff that shows such concern knowing a patient is in pain. This was my first visit with Dr. Elsner and she greeted me like she had known me all my life. She immediately made me feel comfortable knowing that I was in such pain. Both her professional and bedside manner are beyond approach. During the entire procedure she kept asking me how I was doing and made sure I was always comfortable. I have had many root canals in the past, but I will say this was the best experience ever. I had very little pain and felt very relaxed. Dr. Elsner had explained what I could expect during the procedure and followed up afterwards what can be expected in the next few days. That evening she personally called me to make sure I was doing well and insisted that if I have and questions or problems to please call her back. Many thanks to Dr. Elsner and the entire staff at Schapiro Endodontics.
- Baron F
Endodontist Patient Review By Kim in Boca Raton
Dr Elsner is amazing. She takes the time to ensure your comfort. Her tone and patient care are extremely professional!
- Kim
Endodontist Patient Review By Jason K in Boca Raton
Dr elsner has a very professional staff.
- Jason K
Endodontist Patient Review By Jeff S in Boca Raton
Very pleasant experience, all good..
- Jeff S
Endodontist Patient Review By John G in Boca Raton
Dr. Elsner was gentle, kind, informative, and answered all my questions. One of if not the best dentist I have ever had in the last 55+ years. I highly recommend her to anyone
- John G
Endodontist Patient Review By Kara A in Boca Raton
If a root canal can be a good experience, this was a great experience! I would recommend seeing Dr. Elsner to everyone for their Endodontic needs.
- Kara A
Endodontist Patient Review By Merryl C in Boca Raton
Dr. Elsner is fantastic
- Merryl C
Endodontist Patient Review By Ronnie R in Boca Raton
Office staff fantastic. So caring and efficient Dr. Schapiro was professional and gentle. Very caring as well.
- Ronnie R
Endodontist Patient Review By Mike B in Boca Raton
Very nice people
- Mike B
Endodontist Patient Review By John N in Boca Raton
Good
- John N
Endodontist Patient Review By Mark W in Boca Raton
Dr. Elsner is a superbly competent endodontist. Her personal interaction and “bedside” manner put her patients at ease. She follows up by phone and in succeeding visits. She handles difficult questions with equanimity and with appropriate professionalism. Her staff are similarly competent and personable. From my experience, I recommend her and her office without hesitation.
- Mark W
Endodontist Patient Review By Patrick W in Boca Raton
Very organized office prompt care on very short notice
- Patrick W
Endodontist Patient Review By Andrew R in Boca Raton
If you need a root canal Dr Shapiro is the doctor you want to see. I’ve had three root canals - the experience is much better than you would expect. Dr Shapiro even calls to check on you!
- Andrew R
Endodontist Patient Review By Amir S in Boca Raton
This is my 2nd time and super professional service from the doctor and the staff
- Amir S
Endodontist Patient Review By Rachelle A in Boca Raton
I have only positive comments to make about Dr. Schapiro and his staff.
- Rachelle A
Endodontist Patient Review By Al L in Boca Raton
Dr. Elsner and her staff are some of the most professional people I have had the pleasure to work with the follow up and care is amazing!!!
- Al L
Endodontist Patient Review By Yndira M in Boca Raton
Amazing Dr, very gentle and polite, five star treatment! 🙂
- Yndira M
Endodontist Patient Review By Jill F in Boca Raton
Everyone in the office is so professional and caring. Dr Shapiro was so gentle ! Best experience at a dentist office ever
- Jill F
Endodontist Patient Review By Raymond f in Boca Raton
I’m a difficult patient and normally hate going to dentist, however Dr. Shapiro, is thoughtful, and gentle and I never feel any pain. The man is a saint.
- Raymond f
