When Should You See a Dentist?
A cracked tooth should be checked as soon as possible, especially if you have pain when biting, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or pain that comes and goes.
Waiting can allow the crack to spread, irritate the nerve, or make the tooth harder to restore.
If you have swelling, fever, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact a dental office promptly for guidance.
Cracked Tooth Symptoms
Does this sound familiar? When you bite down you feel a sharp pain. It disappears quickly and perhaps you ignore it. You avoid certain foods on one side of your mouth.
- Pain while chewing
- Pain associated with cold air application
- Unsolicited pain, usually from sugar entering a crack
- Pain with no radiographic evidence of the problem
- Tooth pain without dental decay present
- Cracks often discovered during tooth preparation
How Is a Cracked Tooth Treated?
Treatment depends on the location, depth, and direction of the crack. Some minor cracks may only need monitoring, while others may require bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment, or extraction.
Your dentist will examine the tooth, check your bite, review symptoms, and may recommend X-rays or other tests to help determine the best treatment.
Preventative Measures
- Do not chew on hard objects such as ice, popcorn kernels, or pens
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
If you experience symptoms of a cracked tooth, see your dentist immediately. Early detection can often save the tooth.
Questions & Answers
Why does my cracked tooth hurt?
A crack affects the inner pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When damaged, it causes pain.
How will my cracked tooth be treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the crack. Common types include:
- Craze Lines: Small surface cracks that often do not require treatment, but should still be evaluated during a dental exam
- Cusp Damage: May require a crown
- Cracked Tooth: May require a crown, root canal treatment, or another restoration depending on how far the crack extends
- Split Tooth: Partial tooth may be saved
- Vertical Root Fracture: Often requires extraction
Will my tooth completely heal?
A cracked tooth will not fully heal like bone. However, treatment relieves pain and helps prevent further damage. Many treated teeth function for years.
Payment Options for Dental Care
The cost of treating a cracked tooth depends on the severity of the crack and whether treatment involves bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment, or another option.
Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics works with many insurance plans and offers payment options to help make dental care more manageable.
Helpful Patient Resources
Have Pain When Biting or Chewing?
A cracked tooth can get worse without treatment. Early evaluation may help relieve pain and protect the tooth from further damage.
Schedule a dental visit at one of our Florida locations if you are experiencing sharp pain, sensitivity, or discomfort when biting.