Home · General & Family Dentistry · Fractured Tooth

Fractured Tooth Treatment in Valley Village, CA

Act fast. We’ll save it if we can.

A cracked or fractured tooth is a dental emergency. The sooner you’re seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth. Call us at (818) 766-7776 — we offer same-day appointments.

Book Your Visit →

Call (818) 766-7776

RATED 5.0 ACROSS 190+ REVIEWS·MERCURY-SAFE · IAOMT · FICD · ICD·FLUORIDE-FREE PRACTICE·INSURANCE + RITEPLAN·SAME-DAY EMERGENCIES

CALL THE OFFICE

Mon – Fri · 9 AM – 6 PM

OFFICE LOCATION

12520 Magnolia Blvd, Suite 205

BOOK ONLINE

Not All Cracks Are the Same — Treatment Depends on the Break

Tooth fractures exist on a spectrum from cosmetically minor to structurally severe, and where your fracture falls on that spectrum determines everything about how we treat it. Some cracks are invisible to the eye and cause no symptoms; others are emergencies that require immediate intervention to save the tooth. Whatever the situation, time matters — the longer a fracture goes untreated, the more likely it is to worsen and complicate your options.

The five main types of tooth fractures are: craze lines, which are superficial cracks in the outer enamel that are cosmetically noticeable but structurally harmless; a fractured cusp, where a piece of the biting surface breaks off — usually painless but sharp and jagged; a cracked tooth, the most common serious fracture, which extends from the chewing surface downward toward the root and can cause sharp pain when biting or releasing pressure; a split tooth, where the crack has progressed so far that the tooth is actually in two distinct segments; and a vertical root fracture, which originates in the root and works upward, often difficult to detect and frequently requiring extraction.

Symptoms of a cracked tooth often include intermittent sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially when releasing pressure; sudden sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers; and swelling around the gum near the tooth. Sometimes there is no pain at all — which is why we check carefully for cracks during every exam. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us the same day.

Treatment depends entirely on the extent and location of the fracture. Minor fractures and chipped cusps can often be repaired with bonding or a crown in a single visit. Cracks that extend into the pulp may require a root canal followed by a crown to save the tooth. Split teeth and vertical root fractures typically cannot be saved and require extraction, followed by planning for a tooth replacement. We will evaluate your fracture thoroughly, explain your options honestly, and help you understand what’s involved in each path.

Common Questions

What patients ask about fractured teeth

What should I do if I crack a tooth?

Call us immediately — same-day appointments are available for dental emergencies. Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to your cheek to manage swelling, and avoid chewing on that side. Do not use over-the-counter dental cement to fill a crack, as this can complicate treatment. The sooner we evaluate the fracture, the more options we have to save the tooth.

Will a cracked tooth always hurt?

Not necessarily — and that's part of what makes fractured teeth tricky. Superficial craze lines cause no pain at all. A cracked tooth syndrome fracture may cause pain only when you bite in a specific direction or eat something particularly hot or cold. Some vertical root fractures are asymptomatic for a long time. The absence of pain does not mean a fracture is minor or harmless — which is why professional evaluation is so important.

Can a fractured tooth be saved?

It depends on where and how deep the fracture goes. Cracks that stay above the gumline — even ones that reach the pulp — can often be saved with a root canal and crown. Cracks that extend below the gumline into the root, or that have split the tooth into separate segments, are generally not saveable. The sooner you come in, the higher the chance we can intervene before the fracture spreads.

How is a fractured tooth treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Craze lines may need no treatment at all, or can be polished smooth. Chipped cusps are often repaired with composite bonding or a crown. Deeper cracks may require a root canal to remove infected or damaged pulp, followed by a crown to hold the tooth together and restore function. Split teeth or vertical root fractures typically require extraction and planning for replacement.

Can a tooth crack under a crown?

Yes — unfortunately, a crown protects the surface of a tooth but does not prevent the underlying root from cracking, especially if bruxism (teeth grinding) is a contributing factor. Symptoms of a fracture under a crown include pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature that didn't exist before, and swelling or tenderness around the gum. If you suspect something isn't right under an existing crown, call us for an evaluation.

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Claim your first visit, for $250.

Comprehensive first visit with exam, digital X-rays, personalized treatment plan, and your first cleaning. Built for patients who want time, transparency, and zero pressure.

✓ Consultation with your doctor
✓Full mouth digital exam + low-radiation X-rays
✓Personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing
✓Professional regular cleaning, fluoride-free
✓No insurance required · same-day available

Prefer to call? (818) 766-7776 · Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM

Claim Your Special

New Patient Intake

Tell us a little about you. We'll confirm within one business day.

Your information is private · we never share or sell it.

PATIENT STORIES

Real results from real neighbors.

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

A first visit, done right.

Comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, personalized treatment plan, and your first professional cleaning, built for patients who want time, transparency, and zero pressure.