Cracked Tooth — What causes it and how to treat it?

The issue of a cracked tooth or broken tooth is a common dental problem that should never be ignored. It can lead to severe consequences for your oral health, ranging from a minor chip to a deep fracture that reaches the pulp chamber. This often results in severe cracked tooth pain and inflammation.

This article has been prepared by the expert dental team at Dental Veneer Studio to provide in-depth information on the causes of a cracked tooth, the common types of fractures, and modern treatment alternatives. Our goal is to restore your tooth’s integrity and function effectively, while also highlighting how a veneer for a cracked tooth can address both restorative and aesthetic needs.

What is a Cracked Tooth (Dental Fracture)?

A cracked tooth (Dental Crack or Fracture) is a condition where the tooth structure sustains a hairline crack, chip, or loss of a portion of the tooth. The damage may be superficial, only affecting the enamel layer, or it might extend deeper into the dentin and the pulp (the part containing the nerves).

The Danger of Ignoring a ‘Cracked Tooth’

Neglecting a cracked tooth without professional diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious and chronic complications, including:

• Severe Pain: When the crack is close to or reaches the dental pulp, patients often experience intense cracked tooth pain or a broken tooth that causes severe discomfort, especially when chewing or exposed to hot/cold temperatures.
• Spreading Infection: Bacteria can penetrate the crack and enter the dentin and pulp, causing inflammation, an abscess (a pocket of pus), and potentially spreading to the jawbone.
• Permanent Tooth Loss: If the crack becomes extensive or extends vertically to the tooth root, the dentist may be unable to save the tooth. This necessitates tooth extraction and a consideration of replacement options like dental implants.

Primary Causes of a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can result from external forces or pre-existing weak tooth structures. The main common causes include:

Primary Cause	Detail
Incorrect Biting or Chewing Habits	Biting or chewing overly hard foods such as ice, bones, or using teeth to open bottles are significant causes of cracked and chipped teeth.
Accidents and Injuries	Falls, impacts during sports, or any accident that causes direct trauma to the teeth.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)	Clenching or grinding teeth during sleep subjects the teeth to accumulated stress, leading to small cracks or a fractured molar over time.
Large Cavities	When decay is deep, the remaining tooth structure becomes weak, making it brittle and highly susceptible to fracturing.
Previous Dental Restorations	Teeth that have had large fillings or previous root canal treatment are often more fragile than unaffected teeth.

Types of Tooth Cracks

Your dentist will diagnose and determine the appropriate cracked tooth treatment plan based on the severity of the crack:

1. Minor Crack / Chipped Tooth

• Description: A small crack on the enamel or a chipped tooth edge. Typically pain-free but affects aesthetics.
• Treatment: Dental bonding (cosmetic filling) or a dental veneer for durability and superior aesthetics.

2. Crack Extending to the Dentin

• Description: A crack that reaches the dentin layer. Often causes sensitivity when chewing or upon temperature changes.
• Treatment: Dental filling or restoration with an Inlay/Onlay to reinforce the tooth’s structure.

3. Deep Crack Reaching the Pulp

• Description: A crack that penetrates the pulp chamber. Usually involves chronic, intense cracked tooth pain and may include swelling/abscess.
• Treatment: Root Canal Treatment is essential to remove the infection and infected tissue, followed by a Dental Crown to protect the tooth from further fracture.

4. Split Tooth / Vertical Root Fracture

• Description: A deep crack extending from the crown down to the root. Often associated with severe pain and gum swelling.
• Treatment: If the crack reaches the root, tooth extraction is often unavoidable, followed by consideration of dental implant placement.

Dental Bonding for a Cracked Tooth

Dental bonding or composite filling is often the initial treatment recommended by dentists if the crack is small and does not extend too deep into the dentin. Bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill the fractured or chipped portion, restoring the tooth’s original shape and function.

Feature	Primary Benefit	Limitation
Cost	Most affordable and accessible.	Material color may stain/change color more easily than veneers.
Speed	Completed in a single appointment.	Not suitable for large cracks or teeth under high biting force.
Tooth Preservation	Requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure.	Less strong than a dental crown or veneer; risk of re-fracture.

Expert Recommendation: Dental bonding for a cracked tooth is ideal for restoring minor cracks that do not heavily involve the primary aesthetics of front teeth, or as a temporary solution. A dentist will always assess the damage before deciding on this method.

Veneers as a Cracked Tooth Solution

Dental Veneer Studio recognizes that for minor to moderate cracked teeth, restoration with a dental veneer is an excellent option, especially for front teeth:

• Maximum Aesthetic Restoration: Veneers elegantly mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth, restoring a flawless smile after treatment.
• Enhanced Strength: Once bonded to the tooth surface, the veneer shell reinforces the slightly chipped or cracked tooth, significantly reducing the chance of re-fracture.
• Overall Smile Improvement: Beyond fixing the cracked tooth, veneers can simultaneously refine the shape, color, or close gaps, leading to a perfectly harmonious overall smile.

Comparison: Bonding vs. Veneer Restoration

Feature	Dental Bonding (Composite Filling)	Dental Veneer (Porcelain)
Aesthetics	Good (but color may change over time)	Excellent (stable color over time)
Durability	Moderate (may chip or wear under biting force)	High (strength comparable to natural enamel)
Lifespan	5 – 10 Years	10 – 15 Years or More
Ideal For	Very small chips/cracks.	Small to moderate chips/cracks, patients prioritizing aesthetics.

Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost Guide

The cost of cracked tooth treatment varies based on the complexity of the condition and the restoration method chosen by your dentist. Below is a typical price range for planning:

Treatment Item	Estimated Price (Per Tooth)	Suitable For Case
Dental Bonding / Minor Chip Filling	$30 – $100	Minor crack, chipped tooth
Root Canal Treatment	$250 – $700	Deep crack, severe pain, pulp exposure
Dental Crown (Post-Root Canal)	$350 – $750	Root canal treated tooth, or large fracture
Veneer (Porcelain Veneer)	$300 – $750	Veneer for a cracked tooth, prioritizing maximum aesthetics and durability

Note: Prices are only initial estimates. Please contact Dental Veneer Studio for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan best suited to your specific dental condition.

Conclusion: Do Not Delay Cracked Tooth Treatment

Whether your cracked tooth begins as a minor chip or you experience severe fractured molar pain, timely treatment is the best form of prevention.

If you feel sensitivity or pain when chewing, please do not ignore it. A small crack can quickly enlarge and lead to permanent tooth loss. Contact Dental Veneer Studio immediately for a detailed diagnosis and expert plan for cracked tooth restoration. Let us help you regain a healthy mouth and a confident smile.