What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become damaged by a break or fracture. Cracks can vary in size and severity — some may be harmless, while others can affect the inner tissues of the tooth and require treatment.
Types of Cracks in Teeth
Not all cracked teeth are the same. They can appear in different ways:
- Cracked Tooth – A crack that runs from the biting surface of the tooth towards the root. It may extend below the gum line but usually keeps the tooth in one piece. The inner pulp is often affected.
- Craze Lines – Tiny surface cracks in the enamel. These are very common in adult teeth, cause no pain, and do not require treatment.
- Cracked Cusp – A fracture in the pointed biting surface of the tooth. This often causes sharp pain when biting.
- Split Tooth – A severe crack that splits the tooth into two parts, often the result of an untreated crack.
- Vertical Root Fracture – Cracks that begin in the root and extend upwards towards the crown.
Causes of Cracked Teeth
Teeth may crack for a variety of reasons, including:
- Tooth grinding (bruxism), which places excessive pressure on teeth.
- Large fillings that weaken tooth structure.
- Biting or chewing hard objects such as ice, boiled sweets, bones, or fruit stones.
- Facial trauma, such as a blow to the chin or jaw.
- Gum disease that leads to bone loss and weaker tooth roots.
- Sudden changes in mouth temperature (e.g., hot drink followed by ice).
Signs and Symptoms
Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain when chewing, especially when releasing pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Intermittent discomfort without obvious decay.
- Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth.
Why Cracks Don’t Always Show on X-rays
Dental x-rays may not reveal cracks because the beam needs to align exactly with the crack line. However, dentists use other diagnostic methods such as:
- Bright lights and magnification.
- Special dyes that highlight the crack path.
- Identifying bone loss near the root if the fracture has existed for some time.
Do Cracked Teeth Need Treatment?
Yes. Cracked teeth rarely heal by themselves and can worsen over time. If untreated, the pulp (nerve) can die and lead to infection or abscess formation. Early treatment improves the chances of saving the tooth.
Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth
The best treatment depends on the severity of the crack:
- Bonding – Plastic resin is applied to repair small chips.
- Cosmetic Contouring – Smoothing and polishing small surface cracks.
- Veneers – A thin layer of porcelain or composite covering the front of the tooth, suitable when much of the tooth is still healthy.
- Crowns – A full covering for more damaged teeth, often after root canal treatment if the nerve has been affected.
- Root Canal Treatment – Required when infection reaches the pulp. The canals are cleaned, sealed, and restored, usually followed by a crown.
Will a Cracked Tooth Heal Completely?
Unlike broken bones, cracks in teeth do not heal naturally. However, with proper treatment, cracked teeth can function normally for many years. Some cracks may worsen over time, but early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
Preventing Cracks in Teeth
Although not all cracks can be avoided, you can reduce the risk by:
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep.
- Using a custom sports mouthguard during contact sports.
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or boiled sweets.
At SL Endodontics, we specialise in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth. If you are experiencing pain or suspect a crack, book a consultation with Dr. Sameer Lakho to protect your natural tooth and restore your comfort.
