Cracked Teeth Treatment

Sharp pain when chewing? Early detection of a cracked tooth is essential to save your tooth.
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Cracked Teeth: Symptoms and Treament Considerations

A cracked tooth can cause a variety of symptoms, and they may not always be easy to identify. Some patients experience sharp pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort when releasing their bite. In some cases, the pain may come and go, making it difficult to determine the source of the problem.

As you chew, the cracked portions of the tooth may shift slightly, irritating the sensitive pulp inside. When you release your bite, the crack may quickly come back together, causing a sudden or sharp sensation.

If a crack continues to progress, it can eventually damage the pulp and lead to more persistent pain, even when you are not eating or chewing. In some cases, bacteria can enter through the crack and cause an infection within the tooth. Without treatment, that infection may spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

If you notice recurring pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing, it is important to have the tooth evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment may help protect the tooth and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.

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Signs you may need treatment

Pain When Chewing

Hot Or Cold Sensitivity

Pain On Release

Come & Go Pain

What to expect

1

Diagnose

We examine the type of crack. It can be: Craze lines – tiny cracks only affecting outer enamel, superficial and usually no concern. Fractured Cusp – cusp weakened and may break off, rarely damages pulp. Cracked Tooth – crack extends from chewing surface vertically towards root, may go below gum line. Split Tooth or Vertical Root Fracture.

2

Treat

Treatment depends on type and extent. A fractured cusp is restored with a full crown and root canal is usually not necessary. For a cracked tooth where damage to the pulp is commonplace, root canal treatment is usually necessary. For a vertical root fracture, endodontic surgery may be used if a portion can be saved by removal of the fractured root.

3

Restore

A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in loss of the tooth. Sometimes endodontic retreatment and restoration can save a portion of a split tooth. If the crack is too extensive, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced. Early detection is essential to save your tooth.

Common questions

Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
Chewing causes movement of the cracked pieces, irritating the pulp within. When you release biting pressure, the crack closes quickly, causing sharp pain. Eventually the pulp becomes damaged and the tooth will consistently hurt even when not chewing.
There are 5 types: 1. Craze lines – tiny enamel cracks, no concern. 2. Fractured cusp – cusp breaks off, usually needs a crown. 3. Cracked tooth – extends from chewing surface to root, often needs root canal. 4. Split tooth – untreated cracked tooth with distinct segments, may not be saved intact. 5. Vertical root fracture – begins at root and extends to chewing surface, may need surgery or extraction.
Yes, if detected early. A fractured cusp can be saved with a crown. A cracked tooth can often be saved with root canal treatment and a crown. However, a split tooth can never be saved intact and a vertical root fracture often requires extraction if the entire tooth is affected. Position and extent dictate if any portion can be saved.
Treatment depends on the crack. We diagnose with exams and imaging, then determine if the pulp is damaged. If the pulp is not damaged, a crown is usually enough. If the pulp is damaged or infected, root canal treatment is needed before placing a crown to prevent infection from spreading.
If ignored, a cracked tooth will worsen. The pulp will become infected, infection can spread to bone and gum, and the tooth can eventually split completely. Early treatment is essential to prevent tooth loss.