TL;DR
- A cracked tooth is a fracture that may not be visible but can affect deeper layers.
- Symptoms may be subtle or intermittent and often include discomfort while chewing, sensitivity or localized gum tenderness.
- Tooth cracks commonly develop from daily wear, hard biting, grinding, weakened fillings, injury, aging enamel or temperature extremes.
- Common types include craze lines, incomplete tooth fractures, split teeth, fractured cusps and vertical root fractures.
- Treatment is chosen based on crack depth and tooth strength, with the goal of preserving the natural tooth whenever possible:
- Smoothing or minor bonding
- Dental crown
- Root canal treatment
- Replacement of existing fillings
- Tooth extraction
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is exactly what the name suggests, a fracture in the tooth structure that is not always visible from the outside. Unlike a chipped tooth, which usually involves a small piece breaking away, a crack can run through the enamel and into deeper layers while the tooth still looks intact. This is why many people are caught off guard when a dentist points it out during an examination.
They are not always urgent in the way a knocked-out tooth is, yet they are not something to ignore either. In many cases, it is simply something our emergency dentist in Norwood can check and advise on after a closer look.
In the sections ahead, we explain common symptoms, causes, types of cracked teeth and the available treatment options, so you can make your decision without unnecessary worry.
Common Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
A crack in the tooth can often develop slowly, which is why they tend to be overlooked. Our patients at Norwood Dental often report the following symptoms:
- Sharp discomfort when biting down, especially when releasing pressure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks that lingers longer than usual
- Pain that comes and goes rather than staying constant
- Mild swelling or tenderness in the gum near the affected tooth
- Occasional discomfort without an obvious cause
These symptoms do not always appear together, and some may be subtle at first. Even so, they are worth having checked before the crack deepens or spreads.
What Causes a Tooth to Crack?
Tooth cracks rarely come from a single event. In most cases, they develop from everyday habits or gradual changes in the tooth over time. Common causes we see include:
- Biting down on hard foods such as ice, nuts or hard sweets
- Grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep
- Large or old fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
- Sudden impact from a fall, accident or sports injury
- Natural aging, which makes enamel more brittle over time
- Rapid temperature changes from very hot and very cold foods
Types of Tooth Cracks
When we examine a tooth, we look at where the crack starts, how far it travels and whether it affects the inner part of the tooth. Here are some common types of tooth cracks:
- Craze Lines
These are very fine surface lines that sit only in the enamel. They are common in adults and usually related to natural wear over time. Craze lines do not weaken the tooth and rarely need treatment. Most patients only notice them when pointed out during a check-up.
- Incomplete Tooth Fracture
This refers to a crack that starts on the chewing surface and extends downward toward the root, without fully splitting the tooth. The tooth remains in one piece, which is important. With early assessment, this type of crack can often be stabilized and protected.
- Split Tooth
A split tooth develops when a crack deepens and separates the tooth into distinct parts. At this stage, saving the entire tooth is not always possible. Treatment depends on how far the split extends and whether part of the tooth can still be preserved.
- Vertical Root Fracture
This type of crack begins in the root and moves upward. It often causes few outward signs at first, which is why it can be difficult to detect. In many cases, the tooth cannot be saved once this type of fracture is confirmed.
- Fractured Cusp
This occurs when a pointed part of the chewing surface breaks away, often around a large filling. The damage tends to stay above the gum line and does not usually involve the inner nerve of the tooth. These are often straightforward to repair once identified.
Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth
At Norwood Dental, our dentists take time to assess how deep the crack runs and how the tooth is coping under pressure. Treatment is always chosen with the aim of preserving the natural tooth where possible.
Here are some common approaches:
- Smoothing or Minor Bonding
For very small surface cracks, the rough edge may be gently smoothed or sealed with a tooth-colored material. This helps reduce irritation and prevents the crack from catching or spreading.
- Dental Crown
When a crack weakens the tooth, a crown is often recommended. It fits over the tooth like a protective cap, holding it together and allowing you to chew comfortably. At our office, we use CEREC® technology to create crowns in-office, which means minimal wait time and lower costs.
- Root Canal Treatment
If the crack reaches the inner nerve, the infected or inflamed tissue is removed. The tooth is then cleaned, sealed and usually protected with a crown. This allows the tooth to remain in place without ongoing pain.
- Replacement of Existing Fillings
Old or large fillings can place extra strain on a cracked tooth. Replacing them with a better-fitting restoration helps support the remaining tooth structure and reduce the risk of the crack spreading further.
- Tooth Extraction
When a crack extends below the gum line or splits the tooth completely, saving it may not be possible. In these cases, removal prevents infection and allows planning for a suitable replacement option.
Final Thoughts
A cracked tooth is not always obvious, but it is a condition that benefits from timely attention. Some cracks remain stable with simple care, while others can worsen if left unchecked. Knowing the different types of cracks and the treatment options available makes it easier to act before the problem becomes more complicated.
At Norwood Dental, our team has over 15 years of experience managing cracked teeth, with careful attention given to preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible. A thorough assessment allows us to advise on the most suitable course of action based on the condition of the tooth.
If you are searching for a reliable dental clinic in Norwood, our team is here to assist. To book an appointment:
Call: 9524673518
Email: appointments@norwood-dental.com
Visit: 222 E Wilson St, Norwood Young America, MN 55368, United States
FAQs
Some cracks can wait a short while without causing harm, especially if there is no pain or swelling. That said, cracks can be unpredictable. What feels manageable today may change quickly, which is why it is sensible to have it checked sooner rather than later.
No, and that often surprises people. Some cracks cause little or no discomfort at first, which is why they can go unnoticed for a long time.
There’s no safe way to repair a cracked tooth on your own. You can avoid hard foods and keep the area clean to prevent irritation, but only a dentist can properly assess and treat the crack.
Once a tooth develops a crack, it does not repair naturally. Any temporary relief in discomfort does not mean the crack is gone. Professional treatment is needed to protect the tooth and prevent the problem from worsening.
You can, but it is best to be cautious. Try chewing on the opposite side and avoid hard or sticky foods until a dentist evaluates the tooth to reduce the chance of the crack spreading.
