Cracked Tooth Treatment in Glendale, CA
Save Your Smile and Stop the Pain
Did you feel a sudden, sharp pain when biting down on food? Or perhaps you’ve noticed sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that disappears quickly? You might have a cracked tooth.
At Aghbashian Dental, we understand that a cracked tooth can be alarming and painful. Dr. Nova Aghbashian and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth using advanced digital imaging and restorative techniques. Our goal is to stop your pain immediately and save your natural tooth whenever possible.
Don’t wait for the crack to worsen. Schedule Your Consultation Today!!
Common Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Unlike a cavity, which causes a dull ache, a cracked tooth can be elusive. You might not see the crack with the naked eye, but your body will tell you something is wrong.
Watch for these signs:
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Erratic Pain: Sharp pain when chewing, especially upon releasing bite pressure.
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Temperature Sensitivity: Sudden discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
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Localized Pain: Pain that comes and goes but is difficult to pinpoint to a specific tooth.
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Swelling: In severe cases, gum swelling around the affected tooth.
How We Treat Cracked Teeth at Aghbashian Dental
Treatment depends entirely on how deep the crack goes. Here's what to generally expect:
- Minor crack (enamel only): Little to no pain. Often treated with smoothing or bonding in a single visit.
- Moderate crack (into dentin): Sensitivity to hot/cold. Usually requires a crown to protect the weakened tooth from further splitting.
- Deep crack (reaches the pulp/nerve): Sharp, lingering pain. Dr. Aghbashian will perform a comfortable Root Canal Treatment to remove the damaged nerve, followed by a protective crown.
- Severe fracture (below the gumline or split root): In these cases, the tooth may not be restorable, and extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge may be the best long-term option.
We'll confirm exactly which category your tooth falls into with a same-day exam and digital X-ray.
1. Cosmetic Bonding (For Minor Chips)
If the crack is superficial—affecting only the outer enamel (craze lines) or a small corner of the tooth—we can often repair it in a single visit using dental bonding. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s look and function.
2. Dental Crowns (The Most Common Solution)
For significant cracks that weaken the tooth’s structure but haven’t reached the nerve, a Dental Crown is usually the best solution. The crown acts like a "helmet" for your tooth, holding the fractured pieces together and distributing bite force evenly to prevent the crack from spreading.
3. Root Canal Therapy
If the crack has penetrated deep into the tooth pulp (the nerve center), the tooth may become infected or extremely sensitive. In these cases, Dr. Aghbashian will perform a comfortable Root Canal Treatment to remove the damaged nerve, followed by a crown to seal and protect the tooth.
4. Extraction (The Last Resort)
If a crack extends below the gum line or splits the tooth vertically into separate pieces, the tooth may not be salvageable. In this scenario, we will gently extract the tooth and discuss replacement options, such as a Dental Implant or Bridge, to restore your smile immediately.
Preventing Future Cracks
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candy
- If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), ask us about a Custom Night Guard to protect your teeth from fracture
- Healthy teeth start with routine care — schedule your regular checkup & cleaning
Types of Tooth Fractures We Treat
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Craze Lines: Tiny, common cracks in the enamel that are mostly cosmetic.
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Fractured Cusp: When a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. This is usually easily fixed with a crown or onlay.
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Cracked Tooth: A vertical crack extending from the chewing surface toward the root. Early diagnosis is vital to save the tooth.
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Split Tooth: The result of an untreated cracked tooth that splits into distinct segments.
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Vertical Root Fracture: A crack that begins at the root and moves upward. These often show few symptoms until the surrounding bone or gum becomes infected.
Cracked Tooth Repair Cost in Glendale, CA
Cost depends on how deep the crack goes and which treatment is needed. As a general guide:
- Bonding (minor cracks): approximately $150 – $700
- Crown (moderate cracks): approximately $800 – $2,500
- Root canal + crown (deep cracks reaching the pulp): approximately $1,200 – $2,500 total
- Extraction + implant (non-restorable teeth): approximately $3,000 – $6,000
We'll give you an exact, no-surprises quote after your exam and digital X-rays. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer CareCredit® financing for treatment not fully covered. Ask about our $50 New-Patient Exam & X-rays for fast answers and immediate relief.
Why Choose Dr. Nova Aghbashian for Cracked Tooth Repair?
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"Almost Pain-Free" Experience: We utilize modern anesthetics and a gentle touch to ensure your treatment is comfortable.
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Advanced Diagnostics: We don’t guess. We use state-of-the-art technology to see exactly where the crack ends.
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Conservative Approach: Dr. Aghbashian’s philosophy is to save your natural tooth structure whenever feasible.
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Emergency Availability: We prioritize patients in pain for same-day or next-day appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth will not heal. Without treatment, the crack will likely deepen, eventually leading to infection, nerve death, and tooth loss.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?
Yes. If you are in pain, it is an emergency. Even if the pain is intermittent, chewing on a cracked tooth can cause it to split further, turning a simple fix (crown) into a complex one (extraction).
How can I prevent cracked teeth?
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), ask us about a Custom Night Guard to protect your teeth from fracture.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked tooth in Glendale, CA?
Cost depends on how deep the crack goes — from around $150 for bonding on minor cracks up to $1,200-$2,500 for a root canal and crown on deeper cracks. We provide an exact quote after your exam, and accept most PPO insurance plus CareCredit financing.
Can a cracked tooth be saved, or will I need it pulled?
Most cracked teeth can be saved with bonding, a crown, or a root canal and crown. Extraction is typically only needed for severe fractures that reach below the gumline or split the root.
What should I do right now if I think I have a cracked tooth?
Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, and call our office for a same-day exam and digital X-ray so we can catch the crack before it worsens.
📞 Schedule Your Preventive Dental Care Visit Today
Healthy teeth start with routine care. Call today to schedule your checkup & cleaning appointment:
📍 Aghbashian Dental Office
1000 N Central Ave #130,
Glendale, CA 91202