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Cracked Tooth: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

A cracked tooth is one of the most common reasons patients visit our clinic with sudden discomfort. Some cracks are tiny and harmless, while others can threaten the entire tooth. Understanding how cracks happen — and what treatments are available — helps you act early before the damage worsens.

What Causes a Cracked Tooth?

Cracked teeth can occur due to:

  • Biting on hard foods (ice, bones, hard candy)

  • Large or old fillings that weaken the tooth

  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

  • Trauma or accidents

  • Sudden temperature changes (hot food followed by cold drinks)

  • Age-related wear and tear

Types of Tooth Cracks & What Can Be Done

1. Craze Lines (Superficial Cracks)

Extent:

  • Tiny cracks affecting only the outer enamel

  • Common in adults and usually painless

Treatment:

  • No treatment needed

  • Polishing or cosmetic bonding if appearance is a concern

2. Fractured Cusp

Extent:

  • A portion of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off

  • Usually occurs around large fillings

  • Rarely affects the nerve

Treatment:

  • Dental crown or onlay

  • Pain relief is usually immediate after restoration

 

3. Cracked Tooth (Extending into Dentin)

Extent:

  • Crack starts from the chewing surface and moves downward

  • Tooth may hurt when biting or releasing pressure

  • Nerve may or may not be involved

Treatment:

  • Dental crown to prevent crack progression

  • Root canal treatment if the nerve is affected

 

4. Split Tooth

Extent:

  • Crack has progressed fully, splitting the tooth into segments

  • Often painful and difficult to save entirely

Treatment:

  • Removal of the damaged portion

  • Crown if restorable

  • Tooth extraction if damage is too severe

 

5. Vertical Root Fracture

Extent:

  • Crack starts at the root and moves upward

  • Often detected only after infection develops

Treatment:

  • Tooth extraction

  • Possible replacement with dental implant or bridge

Why Early Detection Matters

Early treatment can:

  • Prevent pain and infection

  • Save the natural tooth

  • Avoid more complex and costly procedures

If you experience pain when chewing, sensitivity, or unexplained discomfort, it’s important to have your tooth checked early.

When to See a Dentist

You should seek dental care if you notice:

  • Pain when biting or chewing

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold

  • Swelling or gum tenderness around a tooth

  • A visible crack or broken tooth

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