Cracked Teeth in Santa Maria, CA

Services

What Are Cracked Teeth?

Cracked teeth come in many forms, and each type can impact your oral health differently. At Kind Heart Dental in Santa Maria, CA, Dr. Christiane Trigueros provides expert evaluation and treatment for all types of tooth cracks—ranging from minor cosmetic concerns to serious fractures that affect tooth structure and function. Early diagnosis is key to preserving your tooth and avoiding further damage.

How It Works

A Simple 3-Step Process

Step 1

Schedule a Dental Evaluation

Call our office to book an exam if you notice pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity, or visible cracks in a tooth.

Step 2

Identify the Type of Crack

We use advanced diagnostics to determine the location and severity of the crack and how it affects the surrounding tissues.

Step 3

Restore and Protect the Tooth

Depending on the crack, we offer personalized treatment—from cosmetic bonding to crowns or endodontic care—to save and strengthen your tooth.

Types

Types of Cracked Teeth

Understanding the type of crack helps us choose the right treatment and protect your oral health.

Craze Lines

Tiny cracks in the enamel that are usually superficial.

These are typically harmless and only treated for cosmetic reasons.

Fractured Cusps

the raised parts of the tooth break off, usually due to weakening.

These are often restored with dental crowns to prevent further damage.

Cracked Tooth

A crack that starts at the chewing surface and may extend toward the root.

If the pulp is affected, a root canal and crown are usually required to save the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture

These cracks start at the root and extend upward.

Often hard to detect, they typically require extraction or endodontic surgery if caught early enough.

Split Tooth

Occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated, causing it to break into separate pieces.

Treatment options depend on the severity and location of the split. In some cases, endodontic treatment or extraction may be needed.

Benefits of Early Treatment for Cracked Teeth

Clear aligners can dramatically enhance your smile while

Prompt care can prevent complications and help preserve your natural teeth.

Reduces pain and sensitivity
Prevents further tooth damage or loss
Saves the natural tooth when possible
Restores normal chewing function
Enhances long-term oral health
Offers aesthetic improvement when needed

Why Choose Kind Heart Dental?

At Kind Heart Dental, we focus on conservative, effective solutions for cracked teeth. Dr. Christiane Trigueros uses advanced imaging and techniques to identify even subtle damage and tailor treatments to your specific case. With our patient-centered care, we help you protect and preserve your natural smile with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I have a cracked tooth?

Common signs include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, or visible lines on the tooth.

2. Can a cracked tooth heal on its own in Santa Maria, CA?

No. While symptoms may temporarily subside, cracks do not heal and often worsen without treatment.

3. What is the best treatment for a cracked tooth?

Treatment depends on the severity. Options include bonding, crowns, root canals, or in some cases, extraction.

4. Are vertical root fractures treatable?

These are difficult to detect and often require extraction, but endodontic surgery may help if caught early.

5. Will dental insurance cover cracked tooth treatment?

Most plans cover medically necessary treatments like crowns or root canals. We’ll help you review your benefits.