At Dublin Corners Dental, we understand how stressful it can feel to notice a crack in a tooth or experience sudden tooth pain. We use advanced diagnostics and a full range of restorative and surgical services to help our patients in the Dublin, CA area repair cracked teeth, relieve pain, and protect their long term oral health.
A cracked tooth occurs when the hard outer surface of your tooth develops a line or fracture. This can be a tiny surface crack or a deeper crack that reaches the inner layers of the tooth. Cracks may form after biting something hard, grinding or clenching your teeth, a previous large filling, or trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
Signs of a cracked tooth can include
Because cracked teeth do not always cause constant pain, many patients are surprised to learn that a crack is present during an exam. Early diagnosis is important because untreated cracks can spread, allow bacteria to enter the tooth, and eventually lead to infection or tooth loss.
When you visit us with tooth pain or visible cracking, we start with a thorough exam and digital imaging to identify the location and extent of the fracture. We may perform
Our goal is to determine how deep the crack is, whether it involves the nerve of the tooth, and which treatment will most predictably restore strength and comfort. We always explain our findings in clear language and walk you through each option so you can make an informed decision.
The best treatment for a cracked tooth depends on how severe the crack is and whether the tooth can be saved. At Dublin Corners Dental, we offer several options, including dental crowns, extractions, and dental implants. When appropriate, we focus on preserving the natural tooth. When a crack is too extensive, we focus on removing infection and replacing the tooth in a way that protects your long-term oral health.
If the crack is limited to the upper portion of the tooth and the tooth structure is still strong enough to support a restoration, we may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over your tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function.
For a cracked tooth, a crown can
We carefully prepare the tooth, take precise digital impressions, and design a crown that blends with your natural smile. Our goal is to create a restoration that feels comfortable and looks natural while safeguarding the tooth from future fractures.
In some cases, a crack extends below the gum line or splits the tooth in a way that cannot be predictably repaired. When a tooth is cracked vertically through the root or into multiple pieces, extraction is often the healthiest option.
If we recommend removing a cracked tooth, we do so with a gentle and patient-focused approach. We take time to explain why the tooth cannot be saved and review your replacement options so you are not left with a gap. We will also provide detailed aftercare instructions and pain management recommendations to support comfortable healing.
When a cracked tooth must be removed, a dental implant is often the most stable and long-lasting way to replace it. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone and acts like an artificial tooth root. Once the implant heals, we attach a custom crown on top.
Dental implants can:
We will evaluate your bone health, review your dental and medical history, and create a personalized plan for implant placement and restoration. If an implant is not the right choice for you, we can also discuss other replacement options, such as bridges.
You should contact us as soon as possible if you notice:
Cracked teeth rarely get better on their own. Prompt evaluation allows us to relieve pain quickly and often helps us save more of the natural tooth structure. If you have already been diagnosed with a cracked tooth and are looking for treatment in the Dublin or Pleasanton area, we invite you to reach out to us via our online contact form or give us a call so we can help you understand your options and get you out of pain.
After attending a top dental school – University of the Pacific, volunteering at the Samaritan House Dental Clinic, and practicing since 2001, Marjan has opened her own dental office, Dublin Corners Dental. When she’s not serving her patients, Marjan plays an active role in her family life, spending time with her husband and two boys. She also finds time to riding her bike, running, and doing yoga.