Root canal vs extraction cracked tooth

A cracked tooth may need root canal treatment and a crown when restorable, or extraction when the crack makes the tooth unrestorable.

A crack can involve enamel, dentine, the pulp or the root. Root canal treatment removes inflamed pulp and seals the canals, but a crown or other cuspal coverage is usually needed to protect the remaining tooth; neither treatment repairs a crack extending through a hopeless root pattern.

Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth and arrange an examination with bite testing, magnification and radiographs when indicated. The dentist may stabilise the tooth, remove decay, test the pulp and assess whether the crack reaches below the gum.

Seek prompt care for pain on biting, lingering hot or cold pain, swelling, a loose piece of tooth or a gum boil near the tooth. Facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing needs urgent assessment.

Ask where the crack extends, whether the tooth is restorable, what protection is needed after root canal treatment and how the space would be replaced if extraction is required.