Cracked Teeth

Craze Lines

Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. These cracks are extremely common in adult teeth. Craze lines are very shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond appearances.

Fractured Cusp | Waterfront EndodonticsFractured Cusp

When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling, it’s called a fractured cusp. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, and usually doesn’t cause much pain. Your dentist can place a crown over the damaged tooth to protect it.

If breathing through your mouth or drinking cold fluids is painful, bite on clean, moist gauze or cloth to help relieve symptoms until reaching your dentist’s office. Never use topical oral pain medications (such as Anbesol®) or ointments, or place aspirin on the affected areas to eliminate pain symptoms.

Cracked Tooth | Waterfront EndodonticsCracked Tooth

A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface of your tooth vertically toward the root. The tooth is not yet separated into pieces, though the crack may gradually spread. Early diagnosis is important in order to save the tooth. If the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with a root canal procedure.

However, if the crack extends below the gum line, it is no longer treatable, and the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted. That’s why early treatment is so important. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in saving these teeth.

Split Tooth | Waterfront EndodonticsSplit Tooth

A split tooth is often the result of the long term progression of a cracked tooth. The split tooth is identified by a crack with distinct segments that can be separated. A split tooth cannot be saved intact. The position and extent of the crack, however, will determine whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. In some cases, endodontic treatment may be performed to save a portion of the tooth.

Vertical Root Fracture | Waterfront EndodonticsVertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. They often show minimal signs and symptoms and may therefore go unnoticed for some time. Vertical root fractures are often discovered when the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment may involve extraction of the tooth. However, endodontic surgery is sometimes appropriate if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root.

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Klickitat Patient

Dr. Chapman has the softest hands I have ever experienced. This along with his Dalai Lama-esque delivery had an extremely calming effect on me.

Hood River Patient

I will be pleased to provide a positive recommendation - you were all very professional and put me at ease (well, as much as I can be, given my dental anxiety :)).

North Bonneville Patient

Went the extra mile to squeeze me in on an emergency basis. All is well. Thanks!

Arlington Patient

A great experience overall. I was greeted by name by the front office staff. The assistant was very professional and courteous. Dr. Chapman was responsive in treating any discomfort I felt. When I left the insurance billing was explained to me and I was welcome to contact them with any questions. I received a follow-up phone call the next day to see how I was doing.

The Dalles Patient

This is the place to go - people are awesomely caring spirits - oh, the work Dr. Chapman did was superior too!!!

The Dalles Patient

One of the best dental/endodontic procedures I've ever experienced. I felt totally relaxed and as comfortable as a person undergoing dental work can be. Dr. Chapman and the entire staff were great. 10 out of 10 Rah-Rah points. Would highly recommend his service for anyone needing to have an endodontic procedure. Waterfront Endodontics rocks!

The Dalles Patient

Kudos to Dr and staff for fully explaining what was going to happen and for the follow-up. Very professional. The" what was going to happen" portion was accomplished so I would understand and the follow-up was an unexpected surprise. Taking time to call and make sure that everything was okay was very nice. Appreciate all that was done.

The Dalles Patient

Thanks for showing me the photos of the tooth, it helps to see the cause of my pain.

Oregon City Patient

Really nice doctor and staff. Very professional.

Hood River Patient

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