01/13/2026
🦷 What Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth happens when a tooth develops a small break or fracture. Some cracks are tiny and harmless, while others can split a tooth or even reach the root, which may become a dental emergency.
Cracks can happen in any tooth, but they’re most common in upper front teeth and lower back molars.
🦷 Types of Cracks
1. Cracked tooth
A vertical crack starting on the chewing surface and moving toward the gumline. It may extend into the root.
2. Craze lines
These are tiny, shallow cracks in the enamel. They don’t hurt and are usually only cosmetic.
3. Fractured cusp
A crack that develops around a dental filling. Usually not very painful.
4. Split tooth
A severe crack that splits the tooth into two separate pieces and may go below the gumline.
5. Vertical root fracture
A crack that starts below the gumline and travels upward. It often has no symptoms until infection develops.
🦷 Is It Serious?
It can be. A cracked tooth allows bacteria to reach the tooth pulp, leading to a tooth abscess, which can spread to the jawbone or even facial tissues if untreated.
🦷 Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
You may notice:
Sharp pain when biting or chewing
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Swelling around the tooth
Toothache when biting down
If infection develops, symptoms may include:
Fever
Persistent tooth pain
Bad breath
Swollen gums
Swollen lymph nodes
🦷 What Causes Cracked Teeth?
Age-related wear
Chewing on hard foods (ice, candy, popcorn kernels)
Large fillings or root canals that weaken tooth structure
Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Trauma (falls, sports injuries, accidents)
🦷 How Dentists Diagnose a Crack
Your dentist may:
Ask you to bite on a tool to locate pain
Check for visible cracks
Shine a light through the tooth
Use staining dye to highlight cracks
Take X-rays or 3D cone beam CT
Probe gums for signs of deep fractures
Sometimes, you may be referred to an endodontist for further evaluation.
🦷 Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size and depth of the crack:
Bonding – Resin fills in minor cracks.
Contouring – Smoothing and polishing rough edges.
Crown – A protective cap to stabilize the tooth.
Veneer – A cosmetic cover for minor front-tooth cracks.
Root canal – Needed if the pulp is affected or infected.
Extraction – Only for severe cracks that cannot be saved.
⏳ How Long Does Repair Take?
Crowns: 1–2 visits
Veneers: About 3–4 weeks
Implants after extraction: Several months
Root canal: Usually 1–2 visits
🦷 Can I Fix a Cracked Tooth at Home?
No — cracked teeth cannot heal naturally.
But you can reduce discomfort by:
Using ice packs
Rinsing with warm salt water
Taking NSAIDs for pain and swelling
Always see a dentist promptly.
🦷 Prevention Tips
Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, pens, candy)
Wear a sports mouthguard
Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Avoid using teeth to open packaging
🦷 When Should I Call My Dentist?
Any time you notice:
Pain when biting
A chipped edge
Sensitivity
Swelling
Early treatment prevents bigger problems.
⭐ Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
Unfortunately, no, but with fast treatment, many cracked teeth can be saved for years.
