Cracked Tooth in San Juan Capistrano: Crown, Root Canal, or Extraction? (How We Decide)
San Juan Capistrano
If you’re in pain or see a piece missing, call now
Same-day help is often possible. Call (949) 496-5585 or start here: Emergency Dentist in San Juan Capistrano.
How to tell if a tooth might be cracked
Bite pain on release (hurts when you let go)
Cold sensitivity that zings then fades—or lingers
A sharp edge or food packing between teeth
Swelling or a pimple on the gum (possible infection)
You remember biting an olive pit, ice, or hard candy recently
Tip: Until you’re seen, avoid chewing on that side and skip very hot/cold foods.
Types of cracks (and why names matter)
Craze lines: tiny enamel lines—cosmetic only; usually no treatment.
Fractured cusp: a corner breaks off—often treated with a crown.
Cracked tooth: a line runs from the top downward; may need crown or root canal + crown if the nerve is involved.
Split tooth: the tooth separates into segments—often extraction.
Vertical root fracture: crack down the root—usually extraction.
How we diagnose it (fast, systematic)
History & symptom review (what triggers pain, how long it lasts)
Bite test & transillumination to find the crack line
X-rays/3D imaging to check the nerve and root
Cold testing to see if the nerve is inflamed or infected
Periodontal probing to detect deep, narrow pockets along a crack
The decision framework (simple version)
Crown if the crack is confined to enamel/dentin and the nerve is healthy.
Root canal + crown if pain lingers with cold, there’s spontaneous pain, or imaging/testing shows the nerve is inflamed or infected.
Extraction if the crack goes below the bone, the tooth is split, or there’s a vertical root fracture (non-restorable).
If extraction is needed, plan a replacement early:
Treatment paths, timelines, and what to expect
Crown (when the nerve is healthy)
Goal: bind the cracked segments and stop flexing.
Visits: prep + digital scan → temporary → final crown in ~1–2 weeks.
Materials: porcelain, layered zirconia, or full zirconia depending on visibility and bite.
Learn more: Crowns & Bridges in San Juan Capistrano
Root canal + crown (nerve inflamed or infected)
Goal: remove the inflamed/infected tissue, then protect with a crown.
Visits: root canal (often 1 visit) → crown steps above.
Comfort: soreness for a day or two is common; most patients return to normal chewing after the final crown.
Learn more: Root Canals in San Juan Capistrano
Extraction (non-restorable crack)
Goal: remove the source of pain/infection; plan replacement.
Next steps: socket preservation graft (as needed) → implant or bridge after healing.
Options: removable partial, implant + crown, or fixed bridge.
Learn more:
Cost & insurance (clear and predictable)
Costs depend on the extent of the crack, whether you need a root canal, and the final restoration. We’ll give you an insurance-aware estimate up front.
Check benefits: Insurance Plans We Accept
Flexible ways to pay: Payment Options
Aftercare tips (today and after treatment)
Today: soft foods, chew on the opposite side, OTC pain relief as directed.
After crown or root canal: expect mild tenderness; avoid hard foods until the final crown is placed.
After extraction: protect the clot (no smoking or straws), start gentle salt-water rinses after 24 hours, and follow your instructions closely.
FAQs: Cracked Tooth — San Juan Capistrano & South Orange County (Crown vs. Root Canal vs. Extraction)
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No—enamel doesn’t heal like bone. A crown can stabilize a crack; if the nerve is involved, a root canal treats the inside.
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Not always. If the nerve tests healthy and pain doesn’t linger, a crown alone can be enough.
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If you have lingering pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste, you should be seen promptly—those can signal infection.
Talk to a dentist in San Juan Capistrano
We’ll examine the crack, explain your options, and give you a clear plan and estimate before treatment.
Kaban Dental Group
32124 Paseo Adelanto, Ste. 2, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Call (949) 496-5585 or request a visit:
This article is educational and not a substitute for personal diagnosis or treatment.
