Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
No, a cracked tooth can't heal on its own. Bone can knit back together, but tooth enamel has no way to rebuild itself once it splits.
The good news is that cracked tooth repair can often save the tooth when it's caught early. Our Grand Rapids, MI dentists see cracks of every size, from faint lines to deep fractures.
Here's what you need to know about a cracked tooth.
Why a Crack Won't Close Up
A crack is a physical break in the hard outer layers of the tooth. According to , a cracked tooth can't heal, but treatment might save it.
That's why waiting for the pain to fade isn't a plan. The crack is still there even on the days it feels fine.
Signs You Might Have a Cracked Tooth
Some cracks cause no symptoms at all. When they do, the most common clues include:
- Sharp pain when you bite down or release your bite
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Swelling of the gum around one tooth
- A toothache that's hard to pin to one spot
Cracked tooth pain can come and go. That on-and-off pattern leads many people to put off a visit.
What Happens If You Wait
A crack gives bacteria a path into the pulp, the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. Once the pulp is infected, an abscess can form.
Cracks can also grow deeper with every bite. A tooth that could have been fixed with a simple restoration may split and need far more work later.
What Causes Teeth to Crack
Teeth crack for everyday reasons, and many people never notice the moment it happens. Common causes include:
- Biting ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- A blow to the mouth during sports or a fall
- Large old fillings that leave less natural tooth behind
The lists ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy as common culprits. Teeth also wear with age, which makes cracks more common after 50.
Our post on avoiding a dental emergency covers simple habits that lower your risk.
How Dentists Treat a Cracked Tooth
The right repair depends on where the crack is and how deep it goes. A small crack in the enamel may only need smoothing or a tooth-colored resin repair.
A deeper crack is often covered with a dental crown that holds the tooth together. If you're curious about the visits, here's what getting a crown involves.
When a crack reaches the pulp, a root canal can remove the infected tissue before the tooth is sealed and crowned. You can read more about what root canal therapy is like before your visit.
If the crack runs deep into the root, a tooth extraction may be the healthiest option. Our full list of dental services includes ways to replace a missing tooth.
Protecting a Tooth Until Your Visit
If you think a tooth is cracked, chew on the other side and skip very hot or cold drinks. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could widen the crack.
Pain that comes back, even mildly, is worth an exam. Early care usually means a simpler repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do for a cracked tooth before my appointment?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and hold a cold compress on your cheek to keep swelling down. Then call your dentist as soon as you can.
The also warns against putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, since it can burn the tissue. A crack can't be fixed at home, so these steps only buy comfort until your visit.
Does a hairline crack always need treatment?
Not always. A tiny crack that isn't painful, infected or deep may simply be watched over time.
That's one reason Advance Dental recommends an oral examination at least every 6 months. During that visit, a dentist checks your teeth and reviews any X-rays, which helps catch small cracks before they spread or start to hurt.
How many visits does a crown for a cracked tooth take at Advance Dental?
A crown at Advance Dental takes two visits. At the first, the dentist shapes the tooth, takes impressions for the lab and places a temporary cover.
At the second visit, the dentist checks the permanent crown's size, shape and color before bonding it in place. With good brushing, flossing and regular checkups, a crown can last between 5 and 15 years.
Will I be comfortable if my cracked tooth needs a root canal?
Yes, every root canal at Advance Dental starts with anesthesia, and the dentist will talk with you about which type fits you best.
If dental visits make you nervous, ask about laughing gas, which the office offers to help anxious patients relax. After the root canal, a crown is usually placed to strengthen the treated tooth.
What happens if a cracked tooth can't be saved?
If a crack splits the root, removing the tooth may be the best option. The dentists at Advance Dental always look for a way to save the tooth first.
When an extraction is needed, they walk you through anesthesia choices and aftercare. Afterward, you can talk through replacement options the practice offers, including dental bridges, dental implants and dentures.
Get Your Cracked Tooth Checked
A cracked tooth won't heal by itself, but quick care often keeps it in your smile for years. Our family dentists in Grand Rapids, MI can find the crack and explain your options.
Call Advance Dental today at (616) 956-9183 or request an appointment online.
