A cracked tooth can be hard to spot. Some cracks are tiny and painless, while others cause sharp pain when you bite or a twinge with hot and cold. Getting it checked early gives the best chance of saving the tooth, and a chipped or broken tooth can often be repaired to look and feel natural again.
Signs of a cracked tooth
- Sharp pain when biting down, especially when you release the bite
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain that comes and goes rather than a constant ache
- Swelling of the gum around one tooth
- A visible line, chip or rough edge
Types of cracks
- Craze lines: tiny surface lines in the enamel. Common, and usually harmless.
- Fractured cusp: part of the chewing surface breaks off, often around a large filling.
- Cracked tooth: a crack running from the chewing surface towards the root.
- Split tooth: a crack that has divided the tooth into separate parts.
- Vertical root fracture: a crack that starts in the root and may only show up when the gum becomes infected.
What to do if you crack a tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek if there’s swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side, and avoid very hot or cold food.
- If a piece has broken off, keep it and bring it with you.
- Call us on (02) 8090 1100. We keep same-day emergency appointments available six days a week.
Treatment options
The right treatment depends on where the crack is and how deep it goes:
- Bonding or a filling for small chips: fillings range from $170 to $550.
- A crown to hold a cracked tooth together and protect it: crowns start from $1,800, often completed in one visit with CEREC.
- Root canal treatment if the crack has reached the nerve: root canal therapy is $800–$2,500.
- Extraction if the tooth can’t be saved, followed by options to replace it such as a dental implant.
Preventing cracks
Avoid chewing ice, hard lollies and pen lids. Wear a mouthguard for contact sport. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom splint (from $720) helps protect them.
Find out more about emergency dentist in Hornsby.
Cracked tooth FAQs
Will a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, enamel doesn’t heal, and cracks tend to grow over time. Early treatment usually means simpler treatment.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
If you have severe pain, swelling, or a large piece has broken off, call us the same day. Small chips without pain can wait for a regular appointment, but don’t leave it for months.
Concerned about a cracked tooth? Call Hornsby Dental on (02) 8090 1100 or book online.