You’re enjoying your favorite snack—maybe a handful of almonds or a piece of hard candy—when suddenly you feel it. That sharp jolt. That tiny crack you can’t ignore. You check your tooth and realize something’s not right. Sound familiar?
Cracked teeth can sneak up on anyone, and while they might start as a minor annoyance, they can quickly turn into a major dental issue if left untreated. The statement that cracked teeth are a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and are often overlooked due to subtle symptoms aligns with the challenges in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth as described by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Cracked teeth can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including acute pain on mastication and sensitivity to temperature, which can be difficult to diagnose because they may not always be present or may vary in intensity (American Journal of Dentistry, Vol. 21, No. 5, October, 2008).
The good news? You don’t have to panic. With the right treatment, most cracked teeth can be repaired and saved. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the different types of tooth cracks and what causes them, to the best treatment options and how to prevent cracks in the future.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Not all cracks are created equal. Some are harmless and purely cosmetic, while others can seriously compromise your oral health if not treated early. Here are the most common types of tooth cracks and what they mean:
1. Craze Lines:
These are tiny, hairline cracks that only affect the tooth’s outer enamel. They’re often caused by regular wear and tear and are especially common in adults over the age of 40. Craze lines usually don’t require treatment and are considered cosmetic, but they can make teeth more susceptible to staining.
2. Fractured Cusp:
This type of crack typically occurs around a dental filling. A piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off but usually doesn’t reach the pulp (the soft inner part of the tooth). While it might not cause much pain, it can make chewing difficult, and a crown may be needed to restore function and prevent further damage.
3. Cracks Extending to the Gum Line:
A crack that runs vertically down the tooth and reaches the gum line can be serious. The tooth may still be saved if caught early and the crack hasn’t gone below the gum. But the chances of saving it drop significantly once it extends below the gum line. This is why timing is everything when it comes to cracked teeth.
4. Split Tooth:
When a crack travels deep enough to split the tooth into two distinct parts, it’s considered a split tooth. Unfortunately, this usually means the tooth can’t be saved as a whole. Depending on the extent of the split, part of the tooth may be preserved, but extraction is often necessary.
5. Vertical Root Fracture:
This type of crack starts at the root and works its way up toward the chewing surface. It’s one of the trickiest to diagnose because it doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms right away. These cracks are often discovered only when surrounding bone or gum becomes infected.
Common Causes of a Cracked Tooth
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s not invincible. Here are some of the most common reasons why teeth crack:
1. Biting Down on Hard Foods:
We’ve all been tempted by hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice cubes, or nuts—but they’re some of the worst offenders when it comes to cracked teeth. One wrong bite and you could hear that dreaded crack.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it. This repeated pressure wears down teeth, leading to cracks, especially over time. A custom nightguard can help protect your teeth if this is an issue.
3. Trauma or Injury:
A fall, sports injury, or car accident can result in chipped or cracked teeth. If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is a bright and simple way to protect your smile.
4. Sudden Changes in Temperature:
Drinking something extremely hot followed by something cold (like hot coffee followed by ice water) can cause teeth to expand and contract quickly. Over time, this stress can weaken the enamel and lead to cracking.
5. Large Fillings or Dental Work:
Teeth that have undergone extensive dental work, especially large fillings, are more prone to cracking. That’s because the remaining tooth structure may be weakened or more pressure-resistant.
6. Age:
As we age, our teeth naturally endure more wear and tear. People over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing cracks due to years of chewing, temperature fluctuations, and enamel thinning.
How Do You Fix a Cracked Tooth?
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR A CRACKED TOOTH
Properly treating a cracked tooth depends on the crack’s type, depth, and location. The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of saving the tooth, so don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Here’s a breakdown of the most common treatment options your dentist may recommend:
1. Dental Bonding or Filling (For Small Cracks):
If the crack is minor and hasn’t reached the deeper layers of the tooth, your dentist may use composite resin to fill or bond the area. This quick, noninvasive treatment seals the crack, restores the tooth’s shape, and prevents bacteria from getting in.
When it’s used:
Pros:
2. Dental Crown (For Moderate to Large Cracks):
For more significant cracks that haven’t split the tooth, a dental crown is often the best option. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the existing tooth to protect it and restore full function.
When it’s used:
Pros:
What to expect: Crowns usually require two appointments—one to shape the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place the permanent crown.
3. Root Canal Therapy (When the Pulp is Affected):
If the crack has extended into the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), a root canal is necessary to remove infected or inflamed tissue and save the tooth. After the root canal, the tooth is sealed and usually restored with a crown to protect it from further damage.
When it’s used:
Pros:
NOTE: Endodontists (root canal specialists) are especially skilled at treating cracked teeth. At Ahn Dental Spa, our team includes professionals with expertise in endodontics to ensure you receive the best care.
4. Tooth Extraction (For Severe Cracks or Split Teeth):
In some cases, a tooth may be too badly cracked or split to be saved. When the damage extends below the gum line or down into the root, extraction is often the only safe and effective option.
When it’s used:
What happens after extraction:
Your dentist will help you plan the next step—whether it’s a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture—to fill the gap and restore your smile.
How to Prevent Future Cracks
While not all tooth cracks are avoidable, many are preventable with a few mindful habits and proactive dental care. Think of it like protecting your car from potholes—you can’t dodge every bump in the road, but you can reduce the damage. Here are some effective ways to protect your teeth from future cracks:
Treat a Cracked Tooth in Duluth, GA – Ahn Dental Spa: Expert Care You Can Trust
If you’re in the Duluth, GA, area and think you might have a cracked tooth—or just want to avoid getting one—Ahn Dental Spa is here to help. We blend expertise, advanced technology, and affordability to ensure you receive the best care possible.
🦷 Expertise in Endodontics
Cracked teeth often require root canal therapy, and that’s where our team shines. Our endodontic specialists have the advanced skills to diagnose and treat even the most complex cases—saving your natural teeth whenever possible.
💸 Affordable Pricing with a Price Match Guarantee
Quality dental care shouldn’t come with sticker shock. Ahn Dental offers transparent pricing and a price match guarantee. Bring us a written treatment plan from another provider within 30 miles, and we’ll beat it.
🛡️ Insurance-Friendly and Flexible Payment Options
We accept Aetna, Delta Dental, and Liberty Dental. No insurance? No worries. We offer budget-friendly payment plans to ensure you get the treatment you need—on your terms.
🕒 Convenient Scheduling
Busy workweek? We get it. That’s why we offer appointments Monday through Saturday, with evening and select Sunday hours (2nd & 4th Sundays). We’re here when it works best for you.
Ahn Dental Spa offers the BEST RICE (R – Root Canal, I – Implants, C – Crown & Bridge, E – Extractions) and PRICE!
Conclusion
A cracked tooth may not always hurt right away—but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Left untreated, even a small crack can lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss. The key is early detection and proper treatment. With a full range of treatment options—from bonding and crowns to root canals and extractions—you don’t have to live with the discomfort or uncertainty of a cracked tooth.
If you’re in or near Duluth, GA, let Ahn Dental Spa restore your smile with expert care, friendly pricing, and convenient appointments that fit your life.
👉 Book your appointment today at Ahn Dental Spa!
