Tooth Pain? It Could Be a Cracked Tooth: Here’s What to Do

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your tooth when biting down or drinking something cold? It might be more than just tooth sensitivity—it could be a cracked tooth.

Cracked teeth are common, and they can range from small, harmless fractures to serious cracks that threaten your tooth’s structure.

Whether you are dealing with sharp pain or mild discomfort, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you take the right steps to protect your smile.

What Is a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth refers to any type of fracture or break in your tooth’s structure.

Cracks can vary in severity, from tiny surface cracks that only affect the outer enamel to deep fractures that reach the soft tissues inside the tooth. 

Common symptoms include sudden, sharp pain when chewing or sensitivity to cold foods and drinks.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked Tooth Syndrome happens when a crack in your tooth is too small to show up on X-rays but causes significant discomfort.

This can make it challenging to diagnose, but the pain is very real, especially when pressure is applied to the tooth.

How Do Cracked Teeth Happen?

Cracked teeth can occur due to various reasons, many of which involve daily activities.

Some common causes include:

• Chewing on hard objects: Biting down on unpopped popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candies can cause fractures.
• Tooth decay: When there is decay, teeth become weak and can crack under normal chewing, it doesn’t even have to be something hard!
• Dental trauma: A blow to the face or jaw can lead to a cracked tooth.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Grinding your teeth at night can wear down the enamel and cause cracks over time.
• Large fillings: A large dental filling may weaken your natural tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cracks.
• Age: As we age, our teeth become more brittle, increasing the risk of cracked teeth.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

Recognizing the symptoms of a cracked tooth can help you get prompt treatment.

Common signs are:

1. You may experience sharp pain when biting or chewing on hard or crunchy foods.
2. Your tooth will be sensitive to cold temperatures from cold foods or beverages.
3. You can feel intermittent discomfort that comes and goes when applying pressure.
4. You may have visible cracks or rough edges on the tooth’s surface.
5. Pain without visible damage. This can indicate cracks that are below the gumline or involve the tooth root.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cracked Tooth

If you suspect a cracked tooth, it is important to take action immediately to prevent further damage.

Here is what you can do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean and reduce bacteria.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if you have any facial trauma.
• Avoid chewing on the cracked tooth to prevent worsening the fracture.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage discomfort until you can see a dentist.

Types of Tooth Cracks

There are different types of cracks, each requiring a specific approach to treatment.

1. Craze Lines

These are shallow cracks that affect only the outer enamel and typically do not cause pain. They are common in adult teeth and usually do not require treatment.

2. Fractured Cusp

This crack occurs when a portion of the chewing surface breaks away. Although this type of fracture typically does not reach the tooth pulp, it can cause discomfort and leave sharp edges that may require smoothing.

3. Vertical Root Fractures

These cracks extend from the root of the tooth upwards, often requiring extraction because they can compromise the entire tooth structure.

4. Split Tooth

A split tooth occurs when a crack divides the tooth into two distinct parts. In most cases, tooth extraction is necessary to prevent infection or further complications.

Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

Depending on the severity of the crack, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan.

Minor cracks

• Dental bonding: A tooth-colored composite resin can fill small cracks and restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
• Dental filling: If a portion of your tooth is lost due to a crack, a filling material may be used to replace the missing piece.

Deep cracks

• Root canal treatment: Root canal therapy may be needed to remove infected pulp and save the natural tooth, if the crack extends into the pulp chamber.
• Dental crowns: For more severe cracks, a dental crown can protect the tooth by covering it entirely. Crowns are often necessary after a root canal procedure to strengthen the tooth.
• Tooth extraction: If the crack is too severe, the tooth may need to be removed. In this case, dental implants or bridges can replace the missing tooth.

Preventing Cracked Teeth

Some causes of cracked teeth are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.

Here are a few prevention tips:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or engage in contact sports.
• Be mindful of dental health. Regular dental checkups with your dentist can help catch small cracks before they worsen.
• Practice proper oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a clean mouth can protect your teeth from decay, which weakens tooth enamel.

Useful links 🔗

• Your ‘How-To’ Guide to Flossing
• What is the Best Toothpaste? Our Top Picks
• Is Chewing Ice Really That Bad for Your Teeth?

FAQs about Cracked Tooth

Power Road Dental Care: Act Fast to Protect Your Smile

Cracked teeth can lead to serious issues if left untreated, from intense tooth pain to tooth loss. With prompt treatment and the right care, you can often save your tooth and avoid more invasive procedures.

Need to see an emergency dentist? If you are a registered patient at our office, we will do our best to get you in as soon as possible. Call (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or visit our dental office in Mesa, AZ, Phoenix East Valley.