Cracked or Broken Tooth Treatment in Bellevue
A cracked or broken tooth can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a painful emergency. At EZ Dental Clinic, we evaluate the extent of the damage quickly and recommend the right treatment to protect your tooth.
Request an AppointmentTeeth can crack or break for a number of reasons: biting down on something hard, an injury or fall, chronic grinding, or a tooth weakened by decay or a large existing filling. Symptoms can range from mild sensitivity to sharp pain when chewing, and sometimes a crack isn’t visible or painful right away.
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack. Minor chips can often be repaired with bonding, while more significant damage typically requires a crown to restore strength and protect the tooth from further damage. If the crack has reached the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be needed to save it. In cases where a tooth is too damaged to repair, an extraction may be necessary, followed by a replacement option like a dental implant or bridge.
If your crack or break happened suddenly and you’re in significant pain, our emergency dentistry services can help get you seen quickly. Patients with chronic grinding, or bruxism, are at higher risk for cracked teeth, so addressing that underlying issue can help prevent future damage. Visit our Conditions page to learn about other issues we commonly treat.
If you’re dealing with a cracked or broken tooth, don’t wait to have it evaluated. Call (425) 746-6090 or request an appointment online, and check our insurance page for coverage details.
Cracked or Broken Tooth Treatment in Bellevue: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I crack or break a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress if there’s swelling, and call our office as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Is a cracked tooth always painful?
Not necessarily. Some cracks cause sharp pain when chewing, while others cause little to no discomfort until the crack progresses.
How is a cracked tooth treated?
Treatment depends on severity, ranging from bonding for minor chips to a crown or root canal for more significant damage.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No, tooth structure doesn’t heal itself, so a cracked tooth needs professional treatment to prevent the damage from worsening.
What causes teeth to crack or break?
Common causes include biting down on hard foods, injury, chronic grinding, and teeth weakened by decay or large fillings.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
It can be, especially if there’s significant pain, bleeding, or a large piece of the tooth missing. Call our office right away if you’re unsure.
Will I need to replace a cracked tooth entirely?
Not always. Many cracked teeth can be saved with a crown or root canal, though severe cases may require extraction and replacement.