Cracked Teeth Columbia MO
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.
Don’t Suffer From Tooth Pain Any Longer!
Dr. Lawson can examine your cracked teeth and determine the best treatment to relieve pain.
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.
Warren A. Lawson, DDS MSD
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Everyone was very friendly and professional
- Kevin W
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Great experience. Very relaxed and caring atmosphere.
- Brenda L
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Very professional and courteous service.
- Denny B
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I am very thankful to have had the opportunity for both your treatment and acquaintance. Your treatment was thorough and sound. You and your staff were notable for their respect and caring of each person that entered the office.
- Berkley B
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It was a joy to come to your office! You are so friendly and welcoming. thank you
- Michael S
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very pleasant experience
- ROBERT O
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I appreciate that Dr.Lawson is a straight shooter who tells it like it is. He could've told done a procedure on my cracked tooth, but he gave me the choice to move forward on a root canal or extract the cracked tooth, knowing that a root canal would likely not be short-lived solution. His up front honesty helped me make the best choice for my dental care.
- Catherine W
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Considering the circumstances for my visit, I felt the entire experience in the office, from the minute I walked in the door to the time I left was quite pleasant. A fabulous office team, and an excellent endodontist!
- Suzanne D
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Friendly staff, very informative and assisted with next procedure.
- Susan S
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Thorough, nice folks
- Brooks J
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Excellent staff and physician! Comfortable the entire time I was there.
- Glenda C
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Great professional experience!
- Pamela M
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This was my second trip to see Dr Lawson. He made me feel at ease with the situation. I trust his professional judgement, and will not hesitate to return if needed.
- Tony F
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Thank you so much for a great first experience with your team! Libby, it was so nice talking to you! Felt like i had known you for years!! Really appreciate you showing me photos of your dad. Took me back 40 yrs when i was seeing Dr. Harris!! Dr. Lawson, so much appreciated you taking the extra time explaining my situation in details I could completely understand! I also felt as if you and I were on the same wave lengh from the moment we met. I walked in hoping I didn't need a root canal and left wishing that I did!! I know right... crazy talk... No not at all! It just goes to show the great people and team that are! Thank you so much and will definitely see you next time!!! Greg Wiswall
- Greg W
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I would recommend your office to anyone who needs the care you provide. After being in business nearly 40 years I know what patient care should be and Lawson Endo epitomises what it should be.
- Gary K
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Great service, on time, the staff and doc are amazing.
- Mark W
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Was there for a scan from a referral Was a good visit
- Roger N
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The entire staff is friendly, knowledgeable and Dr Lawson knows his stuff. I wouldn't go to anyone else.
- Robert D
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The entire staff was very friendly and professional. I will recommend them to anyone that expresses a need for this type of service.
- Willis R
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I think since 2001, Dr. Lawson has performed root canals on every tooth I have. I've always received excellent, professional care and a good experience with both Dr. Lawson and his entire staff of professionals.
- Charles T