A cracked tooth can cause sharp pain while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and discomfort that comes and goes and ignoring it can make the crack spread and worsen. Cracks can happen due to biting hard foods, teeth grinding, large fillings, injury, or age-related wear. Depending on how deep the crack is, treatment may include bonding, a dental crown, root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, extraction. Early diagnosis is important because a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. If you notice sudden pain when biting, sensitivity, or a visible line or chip, see your dentist right away to prevent further damage and save the tooth.
Cracked Tooth Problems? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Published on :
- Last updated: November 26, 2025
If you’re feeling a sudden sting when drinking something cold, discomfort while chewing, or a sharp pain that you can’t quite locate, there’s a chance you may be dealing with a cracked tooth, one of the most common yet most misunderstood dental problems.
Cracked teeth don’t always look dramatic. Sometimes the crack is so fine that even a mirror can’t catch it. But the discomfort can build over time and, if ignored, can lead to complications that are far more serious than the initial crack.
This blog helps you understand why cracked teeth happen, how serious they can be, when to worry, and what treatment options dentists recommend.
What Exactly Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is just what it sounds like a line of fracture on the tooth surface that may involve:
Only the enamel (outer surface)
The dentin (middle layer)
Or, in severe cases, the pulp (the nerve chamber inside the tooth)
Cracks can range from tiny hairline lines to deep fractures that split the tooth into two parts.
Studies suggest that cracked teeth are a leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 40. With lifestyle habits like grinding, stress chewing, and biting hard foods, Indians are increasingly reporting symptoms related to cracked teeth.
Why Do Teeth Crack?
A cracked tooth can happen for many reasons. Some are sudden, while others develop silently over time.
1. Biting Something Hard
Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, hard candy, supari, any of these can stress the tooth enough to crack it.
2. Accidents & Sports Injuries
A fall, a blow to the face, or any impact during sports can lead to sudden fractures.
3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many Indians grind their teeth during sleep due to stress. The constant pressure can create microfractures that deepen over time.
4. Deep Bite or Misaligned Teeth
If your bite puts too much force on certain teeth, they become more vulnerable to cracks.
5. Large Old Fillings
Teeth with large old silver/metal fillings or weakened enamel are more prone to cracking.
6. Sudden Temperature Changes
Hot tea followed by cold water? This rapid temperature change can make enamel expand and contract, increasing the risk of cracks.
Signs You May Have a Cracked Tooth
Cracks are not always visible, so symptoms become your biggest clue.
Common Symptoms
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
Sharp pain while chewing, especially when releasing the bite
Difficulty locating the source of pain
Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth
A tooth that feels ‘loose’ due to bone changes around the crack
Why Pain Is Confusing
Cracked-tooth pain often comes and goes. Many people dismiss it as a cavity or sensitivity issue. But unlike simple sensitivity, cracked tooth pain is triggered by pressure, especially when biting or releasing the bite.
How Dentists Diagnose a Cracked Tooth
Detecting cracks is one of the toughest challenges in dentistry. Most cracks cannot be seen on regular X-rays because they are two-dimensional.
At Summit Dental Clinic and other advanced dental practices, diagnosis typically includes:
1. Clinical Examination
The dentist checks for:
Tooth mobility
Fracture lines under good lighting
Pain triggers
2. Dye Test
A special dye can highlight fractures, especially surface-level cracks.
3. Magnification Tools
Dental loupes help visualise tiny cracks on the enamel.
4. CBCT Scan (Cone Beam CT)
This is the gold standard.
A CBCT provides a 3D image of the tooth, revealing:
Crack depth
Crack direction
Whether the nerve is affected
Whether the root is compromised
Because treatment depends heavily on the extent of the crack, a CBCT is often essential for accurate planning.
Types of Cracks and Their Recommended Treatments
Different cracks need different treatments. Below is a clean and simple classification:
Craze Lines (Superficial Cracks)
These are hairline fractures limited to the enamel.
Treatment:
No major treatment required
Enamel polishing or minor restoration if needed
Observation over time
Seriousness Level:
Very low. Cosmetic concern only.
Mild to Moderate Cracks (Enamel + Dentin)
These cracks reach the dentin layer and cause sensitivity or pain.
Treatment depends on how close the crack is to the nerve:
Composite bonding
Onlays or partial crowns for reinforcement
Seriousness Level:
Moderate. Needs timely care to prevent deeper cracking.
Deep Cracks (Near or Into the Nerve)
These cracks reach the pulp, causing intense pain.
Treatment:
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) to remove infection and save the tooth
Crown placement to strengthen the tooth
Seriousness Level:
High. Needs immediate treatment.
Split Tooth (Severe Crack)
When the crack extends vertically and divides the tooth into two segments.
Treatment:
- Tooth extraction (cannot be saved)
- Replacement options:
- Dental implant (most preferred)
- Bridge
- Partial denture
- Dental implant (most preferred)
Seriousness Level:
Very high. Saving the tooth is usually not possible.
Comparison Table: Type of Cracks & Treatment Options
| Crack Type | Depth | Symptoms | Treatment | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Craze Lines |
Enamel only |
None/Slight |
Polishing or no treatment |
Low |
|
Moderate Crack |
Enamel + Dentin |
Sensitivity, bite discomfort |
Filling, bonding, onlay |
Medium |
|
Deep Crack
|
Into the pulp |
Severe pain, swelling |
Root canal + crown |
High |
|
Split Tooth |
Full vertical crack |
Sharp pain, loose segments |
Extraction + implant/bridge |
Very High |
How Serious Is a Cracked Tooth?
Here’s the honest answer:
A cracked tooth never heals on its own.
Enamel cannot regenerate, and cracks almost always get deeper with time.
Ignoring a crack may lead to:
According to dental studies, around 20–25% of cracked teeth eventually require root canal treatment if not treated early.
The earlier you act, the more likely you are to save the tooth.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Book an appointment immediately if you experience:
Sudden sensitivity
Pain while chewing
Pain when releasing the bite
Gum swelling
A tooth that feels "different"
If symptoms seem to come and go, don’t ignore the cracks often behave like that.
How Summit Dental Clinic Helps Treat Cracked Teeth
Immediate replacement options if extraction is required
The aim is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible.
How Summit Dental Clinic Helps Treat Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can feel scary, especially when pain comes suddenly or unpredictably. But with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can save the tooth and avoid complications.
The most important thing?
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
The earlier you seek help, the easier and more affordable the treatment will be.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a cracked tooth, book a consultation at your nearest dental clinic and get clarity before the crack becomes more serious.
