How Do Teeth Crack?

A cracked tooth can be tricky — the crack may be invisible to the eye and not even show up on X-rays, yet cause sharp pain when you bite down or sensitivity to temperature changes. Cracked teeth are common in adults and can range from minor cosmetic chips to deep fractures that threaten the tooth.

Common Causes

• Biting down on hard foods (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels)
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Large fillings that weaken the tooth structure
• Sudden temperature changes in the mouth
• Age-related wear (most common over age 50)
• Trauma from sports injuries or accidents

When to See a Dentist

If you experience sharp pain when biting that comes and goes, sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold, pain that appears and disappears, or swelling of the gum around a tooth, see a dentist promptly. Early treatment of a cracked tooth can prevent it from worsening and save the tooth.

Repairing a Cracked Tooth

Treatment depends on the size and location of the crack. Options include dental bonding for minor chips, a crown to hold the tooth together, root canal if the crack extends into the pulp, or extraction for a severely split tooth. We can often provide same-day crowns using our advanced technology.