Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for tooth pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and tooth will consistently hurt, even when you are not chewing. It is possible that cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum surrounding the problematic tooth.
Types of Cracks

Craze lines
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

Fractured Cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

Treatable Cracked Tooth
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.

Split Tooth
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise, the tooth will have to be extracted.
Valley Endodontics Root Canal & Implant Dentistry
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful staff and beautiful setting. Thank you for such a great experience.
- Terry O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Wilson was particularly comforting in his tone of speaking. The hygienist/assistant (not sure of the official job title) was particularly friendly and was sure to answer all of my questions. I really had a great experience... as root canals go. 🙂
- Sara C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very much appreciate the doctor going over imaging and her thoughts. Also appreciate the personable friendly staff.
- Kari C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Pricing on the root canal treatment was a little pricey given you don't receive the crown with the treatment as well.
- Kelsey F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have now had two root canals done in about 3 weeks! Both experiences far exceeded my expectations. Definitely my best dental experiences and I have had many in my 65 years!
- Patricia T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I did have to wait 5 weeks between my first root canal procedure and the follow-up procedure. I felt that was a bit too long to worry about the temporary filling, etc., but the doctor is just that busy. My wish is that the time frame between the 1st and 2nd appointment wouldn't have to be that long.
- Janna T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciate Dr Wilson for his skills as an endodontist, as well as kind person.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would appreciate more information about what was going to be done, what the recovery and follow up would be, beforehand.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the good work. It was the most thorough root canal I've ever had!
- Michael D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The front desk staff need to be more pleasant as getting payments from patients is important, however, customer care is the ultimate marketing. If the front desk are billing specialist maybe you could move them to the back office and bring a front desk person up front with good customer service skills.
- Layla C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was great.
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional, friendly and courteous team. So far no complaints at all.
- Gilbert S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very happy with my experience at Valley Endodontics. I live in this area part time, so I have choices in medical and dental care. I choose to have my dental work done by Dr. Wilson.
- Mark
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Over the last 4 months I have had 5 appointments related to 2 root canal treatments. I was very impressed on each occasion with my experience with all staff and Dr. Wilson. A very satisfactory experience which I would recommend to anyone. I want to stress that every staff member met all these standards including front desk, billing, and dental assistants. I had 5 different assistants and they were all excellent. This is not common. Usually there is a difference and often a big difference in performance among this many employees. Want to stress the excellent quality of Dr. Wilsons work and professionalism too. Keep up the good work.
- Martin W. Stephenson
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. Wilson & his staff to anyone in need of a root canal! What an improvement of the root canal process I went through 30 years ago!
- Sue T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was great!
- Aimee O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very kind, attentive and professional care with full, clear information and instructions always given before and after every interaction. Facility is extremely clean in attractive setting.
- Mavis I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent customer service. Doctor park was awesome. I don't enjoy dental procedures but it was pain free. Tbanks
- Jonathan H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The only problem is having to bring a cell phone to call to get in the door, but I understand COVID requirements.
- Craig S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very professional
- sam m