Making regular trips to the dentist is a healthy habit for anyone and everyone to have. But in between those visits, things can sometimes go wrong. For instance, suppose you got a sporting injury or accidentally bit into a too-hard piece of candy, and it caused your tooth to crack. Depending on the severity of the crack, you might debate not doing anything about it. After all, teeth are similar to bones, and broken bones can heal themselves, right? Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple when it comes to a cracked tooth. Here's what you need to know about cracked teeth and what to do if you have one—or suspect you have one yourself.
Symptoms of Cracked Teeth
If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, how can you be sure what the root cause is? While some symptoms are similar to other issues, here are the cracked tooth symptoms you can most commonly expect:
- Pain when chewing (often noted as cracked tooth pain when chewing)
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet foods or drinks
- Pain that comes and goes
- Gum swelling near the cracked tooth
Start With a Dental Exam
If you think you might have a cracked tooth—or especially if you're positive you do—you need to make an appointment with your dentist. Cracked tooth treatment often begins with a simple exam that includes a physical inspection of your teeth and perhaps some X-rays. Your dentist might also use a dental explorer to feel for the crack, or a dye to make it show up more prominently. After an exam, your dentist should be able to tell you the extent of the crack and advise you on how to deal with it.
Types of Cracked Teeth
If your dentist identifies a crack in your tooth, they may explain the type of crack to you, which helps determine the best treatment method (if any). These are some common types of cracked teeth.
Craze Lines
These are tiny cracks on the exterior of the teeth, just in the enamel. They aren't cause for major concern, they aren't painful, and they don't require any treatment. These superficial lines are often called craze lines on teeth.
Fractured Cusp
This type of crack typically occurs right near a filling. It doesn't generally impact the actual health of the tooth or the root, so it doesn't usually cause much pain and can often be fixed by re-filling the tooth.
Large Cracks
A large crack may cover just a portion of the tooth but be relatively large in size. It may or may not extend into the gum line, and whether it does plays a big role in treatment options.
Split Tooth
This occurs when the entire tooth is literally split in two. Most often, the whole tooth cannot be saved, but sometimes a dentist is able to save half of it. In cases of a split tooth, your dentist will discuss what portion, if any, can be preserved.
Treatment Options
The treatment options you have will depend entirely on your specific diagnosis. Your dentist will take into account your symptoms, along with the location and severity of the crack, to recommend the right cracked tooth treatment for you. If treatment is required, it typically looks like one of the following.
Bonding
This is a simple option for smaller cracks that involves filling in the crack with a plastic resin. It restores the look and function of the tooth with minimally invasive measures. Your dentist may recommend bonding for cracked tooth repairs when the damage is minor and confined to enamel.
Crown
A crown is a relatively common dental treatment involving a device that goes over the entire tooth and mimics its original look. Part of your original tooth will be shaved slightly to make room for the crown, which is then bonded to your original tooth. While the process can be a little lengthy, with proper care and dental hygiene a crown can perfectly replicate a real tooth and can last an entire lifetime. Your dentist may suggest a crown for a cracked tooth to protect it from further fracture.
Root Canal
If the crack goes into the roots and has caused damage there, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure removes the damaged pulp and helps the tooth maintain some of its integrity, while reducing the likelihood of infection. In these cases, your provider might recommend a root canal for cracked tooth injuries that affect the pulp.
Extraction
If your tooth, the root, and the surrounding gums are very damaged, the only option may be to completely remove the tooth.
No Treatment
Although this isn't typically the case, sometimes a cracked tooth doesn't need any treatment. If you have a very minor crack that isn't causing pain, your dentist may recommend leaving it alone.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
As you can see, it is possible to let a cracked tooth go without treatment. With very small cracks that don't go any deeper than the outermost layer of the tooth, your body may be able to heal it on its own. While people often ask, "Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?"—if there is any risk of infection, or if you're experiencing pain of any kind, it's best to have the crack treated by a dental professional.
Disclaimer
This article is provided by Ideal Dental for general informational purposes only and is not intended as dental or medical advice. It does not replace a consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan from a qualified dental professional. Offer details and availability vary by location. © 2026 DECA Dental Group. All rights reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Sometimes—very small cracks limited to the outer enamel (like superficial "craze lines") may not need treatment and can be left alone under a dentist's guidance. But if a crack goes deeper, causes pain, or poses any infection risk, it won't reliably heal by itself and should be treated by a dental professional.
What symptoms suggest I might have a cracked tooth?
Common signs include pain when chewing or biting, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, pain that comes and goes, and gum swelling near the affected tooth. Because these symptoms can overlap with other issues, a dental exam is the best way to confirm a crack.
What will my dentist do to diagnose a cracked tooth?
Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical exam and may include X-rays. Your dentist might use a dental explorer to feel for the crack or apply a dye to help it show up more clearly. Based on what they find, they'll explain how deep and extensive the crack is and discuss next steps.
What types of cracked teeth are there, and why does the type matter?
The type of crack strongly influences treatment. Common types include:
- Craze lines: Tiny enamel-only lines; typically painless and need no treatment.
- Fractured cusp: Often near a filling; usually doesn't affect the tooth's root and can often be managed by replacing the filling.
- Large cracks: May or may not extend to the gum line; how far they reach strongly influences treatment.
- Split tooth: The tooth is separated into two parts; often the whole tooth can't be saved, though sometimes part of it can be preserved.
What treatment options might my dentist recommend for a cracked tooth?
Depending on crack depth and symptoms, options include:
- Bonding: Resin filling for minor enamel cracks.
- Crown: Covers and protects the tooth and can last many years with good care.
- Root canal: Used if the pulp is damaged.
- Extraction: Reserved for cases where the tooth, root, and gums are severely compromised.
In select minor cases with no pain, your dentist may recommend no treatment and simple monitoring.