What to Do If You Have a Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen in an instant, whether from biting into something hard, a knock during sport, grinding your teeth at night, or simply a pre-existing weakness in the tooth. It can be alarming, painful, and leave you unsure of what to do next.

The important thing to know is that most cracked and broken teeth can be treated effectively, and acting quickly makes a significant difference to the outcome. This guide from Cliftonville Dental in Northampton explains what to do immediately, what the treatment options are, and when you should treat the situation as an emergency.

What Should You Do First?

If you have chipped or broken a tooth, the first step is to rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. If there is any bleeding from the gum, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If you have a piece of broken tooth, keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you to your appointment.

Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if there is no pain, a broken tooth has sharp edges that can cut your tongue and cheeks, and the exposed inner layers of the tooth are vulnerable to decay and infection. A cracked tooth that is not visibly broken may still be causing pain when you bite or sensitivity to temperature, and these symptoms should always be assessed by a dentist.

At Cliftonville Dental, we offer emergency dental appointments for patients with urgent dental problems. Call us promptly and let our team know what has happened so we can prioritise your care.

Understanding the Different Types of Crack

Cracks in teeth vary considerably in their severity and the treatment they require.

Craze Lines

A craze line is a very superficial crack in the enamel surface only, which rarely causes symptoms and may require little more than monitoring.

Fractured Cusp

A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off, which can often be repaired with a crown or filling.

Crack Extending Towards the Root

A crack extending towards the root is more serious. If the crack reaches the pulp inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth is restored with a crown. If the crack extends below the gum line into the root itself, saving the tooth may not be possible.

This is why getting a cracked tooth assessed quickly is so important. The sooner a crack is treated, the more likely it is that the tooth can be saved and restored to full function.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The treatment for a cracked or broken tooth depends on the extent and location of the damage.

Composite Bonding

Small chips and minor cracks can often be repaired with composite bonding, where tooth-coloured resin is shaped and polished to restore the appearance and smooth any sharp edges. This is a quick and affordable option suitable for minor damage.

Dental Crowns

More significant breaks, particularly those affecting the structure of the tooth, are usually best restored with a dental crown. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring its shape and function. Crowns can be made from tooth-coloured ceramic or zirconia and look completely natural.

Root Canal Treatment

If the crack has reached the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment will be needed to remove the infected or damaged tissue before a crown is placed. While root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful, at Cliftonville Dental it is carried out under local anaesthetic and is typically very comfortable. You can read more about what root canal treatment really involves in our separate guide.

What Happens If a Cracked Tooth Is Left Untreated?

A crack that is left without treatment will almost always worsen over time. The pressure of biting causes the crack to propagate further, which can lead to infection, abscess, and ultimately the loss of the tooth. What might be a simple bonding repair today can become a significantly more complex and costly procedure if left for weeks or months.

If you have tooth pain when biting, spontaneous pain, or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, these are signs that the crack may have already reached the inner layers of the tooth. Do not wait to seek treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked and Broken Teeth

Is a Cracked Tooth Always Painful?

Not always. Some cracks, particularly craze lines, cause no symptoms at all. Others cause sharp pain when biting or sustained sensitivity to temperature. Any suspected crack should be assessed by a dentist regardless of pain level.

Can a Completely Broken Tooth Be Saved?

It depends on how much tooth structure remains and whether the root is intact. Many broken teeth can be successfully restored with a crown or root canal treatment and crown. Your dentist will advise on the options after examination.

How Do I Know If My Tooth Pain Is From a Crack?

Pain that occurs specifically when biting in a particular direction, or sensitivity that lingers after you remove the stimulus, can suggest a crack. Diagnosis requires examination, and sometimes X-rays, to confirm.

Can Teeth Crack From Grinding?

Yes. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is one of the most common causes of cracked teeth. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can protect your teeth from further damage. Speak to your dentist at Cliftonville Dental about whether this is right for you.

What Can I Do About Sharp Edges From a Broken Tooth in the Meantime?

If you cannot get to the dentist immediately, dental wax available from pharmacies can be used to cover sharp edges temporarily. Avoid chewing on the affected side until you are seen.

Book an Emergency or Routine Appointment at Cliftonville Dental, Northampton

If you have cracked or broken a tooth, do not put off seeking treatment. Our team at Cliftonville Dental in Northampton is experienced in treating all types of dental injury and can advise on the best course of action for your specific situation. Contact us today to book an urgent or routine appointment.