Bit into something hard and felt a sharp crack? Knowing what to do with a cracked tooth can be the difference between saving it and extracting it. A cracked tooth is any tooth with a fracture, one that can run from the chewing surface down toward the root. A root canal can often save a cracked tooth when the crack reaches the nerve.
Key Takeaways
- A cracked tooth should be seen quickly. Early care gives the best chance to save it.
- Small cracks may only need bonding or a crown. Deeper cracks often need a root canal.
- If a crack reaches the pulp, a root canal removes the infection. A crown then protects the tooth.
- A crack below the gumline usually cannot be saved. The tooth may need to be removed.
- Keep from chewing on that side until it can be checked. This keeps the crack from spreading.
What Should You Do First With a Cracked Tooth?
Act quickly, because a cracked tooth rarely gets better on its own and often gets worse. Gently rinse using warm water, and press a cold compress against your cheek if swelling shows up. Try to keep from chewing on that side of your mouth, since biting can drive the crack deeper. Then call a dentist right away to be seen as soon as possible.
A cracked tooth does not always hurt in a steady, constant way. Instead, the pain often comes and goes, flaring the moment you bite down or let go. That on-and-off discomfort, especially a sharp jolt when you release your bite, is one of the most common clues that a crack is present. A crack can happen anywhere, too, even on a snack during a hike up the Wasatch Mountains.
Will a Cracked Tooth Need a Root Canal?
It depends on how deep the crack runs. According to the American Association of Endodontists, if a crack reaches the pulp, the tooth can be treated with a root canal and a crown to keep the crack from spreading. The root canal gently clears out the damaged nerve and infection inside the tooth. The crown that follows then protects the tooth and holds all of it together.
A shallow crack may not need a root canal at all, so the treatment really depends on the depth of the damage. A small one might only need bonding or a protective crown to keep it stable. A careful exam, sometimes with an X-ray, shows how deep the crack actually goes.
What Types of Cracks Are There?
Cracks range from barely visible to severe, and the type really matters. Thin surface lines in the enamel, known as craze lines, are usually harmless and need no treatment. A fractured cusp, where a piece of the biting surface chips away, is more serious and often sits around an old filling. A deeper crack that runs toward the root is the most concerning, because it can put the whole tooth at risk.
A crack that extends below the gumline usually cannot be repaired, no matter how skilled the care. At that point, the tooth often has to be removed and replaced with something else. This is exactly why getting seen early makes such a difference in the outcome.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
Often, yes, especially when it is caught early. A root canal and crown can save many cracked teeth that reach the nerve. Once it is treated and capped, the tooth can go on working normally for years to come. The key is simply getting care before the crack has a chance to spread any deeper.
Waiting only gives the crack more time to spread deeper into the tooth. A small, fixable problem can slowly turn into a lost tooth and a much bigger bill. Prompt care keeps many more of your options open and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a cracked tooth need a root canal?
If the crack reaches the pulp, you will often feel lingering pain or sensitivity. An exam and X-ray confirm how deep the crack goes.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
It can be, especially with strong pain or swelling. Quick care gives the best chance to save the tooth.
Can I wait to treat a cracked tooth?
Waiting is risky. A crack tends to spread over time, which can turn a savable tooth into one that must be removed.
Move Quickly to Protect Your Tooth
What should you do with a cracked tooth? Act quickly, protect the tooth, and get seen right away. A root canal can often save a cracked tooth when the crack reaches the nerve.
If you want to learn more about what to do with a cracked tooth, visit our Emergency Dentist in Salt Lake City, UT, page or schedule a consultation.