Cracked Tooth Care on the Upper East Side (Manhattan)

Why Choose Dr. Min for Cracked Teeth

  • Columbia-trained prosthodontist focused on saving teeth and restoring strength and function.
  • Award-winning precision and military-honed discipline—expect meticulous diagnosis and calm, clear communication.
  • Advanced diagnostics: high-resolution digital X-rays, bite testing, fiber-optic transillumination; CBCT when indicated.
  • Restoration-first approach: conservative onlays/crowns, bonded cores, occlusal guards; seamless coordination with endodontists for root canals when needed.

What Counts as a “Cracked Tooth”?

A crack is a line or fracture in the enamel/dentin (and sometimes the root). Some are superficial; others extend into the nerve or below the gumline. Early diagnosis is key to stop progression and pain.

Common Types of Cracks

  • Craze Lines: Tiny, superficial lines in enamel; typically cosmetic only.
  • Fractured Cusp: A corner around a filling breaks—often fixed with an onlay or crown.
  • Cracked Tooth (Cracked Tooth Syndrome): A crack runs from the chewing surface toward the root; pain on biting/release is common.
  • Split Tooth: The crack has separated the tooth into distinct segments—prognosis guarded; may require extraction or advanced reconstruction.
  • Vertical Root Fracture: Often symptom-light but persistent; usually requires extraction or microsurgical management.

Symptoms You Might Notice

  • Sharp pain on biting or release, especially on hard foods.
  • Cold sensitivity that lingers; occasional heat sensitivity.
  • Pain localized to a cusp when chewing.
  • Intermittent discomfort that’s hard to pinpoint.
  • Gum swelling or a pimple near the tooth (if the pulp is involved).

Why Teeth Crack

  • Large old fillings or undermined cusps
  • Nighttime clenching/grinding (bruxism)
  • Biting hard objects (ice, nutshells)
  • Temperature extremes (very hot followed by very cold)
  • Trauma or uneven bite forces

How We Diagnose

  • Targeted history (what triggers pain; biting/release pattern)
  • Percussion/palpation, bite stick or Tooth Slooth testing
  • Transillumination to visualize hidden fractures
  • Selective anesthesia to localize pain, when needed
  • Digital X-rays; CBCT for complex cases or root involvement
  • Dye or magnification to map crack extent (case-dependent)

Treatment Options We Provide/Coordinate

  • Bonded Onlay or Crown: Splints cusps and redistributes forces; first-line for fractured cusps and many cracked teeth.
  • Root Canal Therapy (if the nerve is inflamed/infected): Performed before final restoration; bioceramic sealers and bonded core.
  • Occlusal Guard (Night Guard): Protects from grinding/clenching forces after repair.
  • Selective Bite Adjustment: Fine-tunes contact to reduce stress on vulnerable cusps.
  • Extraction & Replacement (when non-restorable): Implant crown, bridge, or partial—planned prosthodontically for function and esthetics.

The Process at a Glance

1) Exam & Imaging

Pinpoint the crack source; evaluate restorability and nerve status.

2) Stabilize & Protect

Temporary build-up or same-day onlay/crown prep to stop flexing and pain.

3) Definitive Treatment

Crown/onlay or root canal + crown where indicated; finalize occlusion.

4) Prevent & Maintain

Night guard, dietary coaching (no ice!), and routine checks to monitor.

Comfort & Safety

  • Profound local anesthesia with gentle technique
  • Rubber dam isolation for clean, precise bonding
  • BPA-free, high-strength materials; meticulous moisture control

Cost & Insurance

  • Transparent, itemized estimates before treatment
  • Coverage varies by plan; most PPOs help with crowns, onlays, and root canals
  • We verify benefits and file claims; payment options available

Aftercare Tips

  • Avoid biting hard objects on the repaired tooth for several days
  • Use your night guard if prescribed
  • Call if you feel a high spot or persistent pain—early adjustment prevents issues
  • Keep cleanings/exams; small problems are easier (and cheaper) to fix early

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel doesn’t self-repair; stabilization with an onlay/crown is typically required.

Will I need a root canal?
Only if the crack has irritated or infected the pulp. Many fractured cusps are treated without root canal therapy.

What if the tooth is split?
A true split often can’t be saved as a whole. We’ll discuss segment removal, extraction, and replacement options.

How fast should I act?
Sooner is better. Every chew can propagate the crack, increasing the chance you’ll need a root canal—or lose the tooth.

About Dr. Daniel Min

BA, University of Texas at Austin
DDS, University of Texas (American Esthetic Dental Association award; “Student of the Year” in clinical performance)
MS in Prosthodontics, Columbia University; former part-time clinical professor
U.S. Army veteran; current Army Reserve officer
Member: Academy of Prosthodontics; International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Service Area

Conveniently located on the Upper East Side and serving patients across Manhattan and the greater New York City area.

Call to Action

Feeling a sharp twinge when you bite? Book a cracked-tooth evaluation with Dr. Daniel Min to stabilize, save, and strengthen your tooth—comfortably and predictably.