Often, a cracked tooth may only present as sharp pain when chewing, or occasional sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Left untreated, though, even a small crack can worsen and lead to infection or tooth loss.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, types and treatments of a fractured tooth can help you recognise the issue early and know when to book an appointment with your dentist.

At Oasis Dental Studio, our experienced dentists see a range of tooth injuries every day. If you are concerned about a cracked tooth, you can arrange a consultation at our clinics in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne or Pottsville. We also offer emergency appointments for sudden breaks or severe pain.

What Is a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth is a fracture or split in the hard structure of the tooth.

The enamel (outer surface) and dentine (the layer underneath) are both strong, but they are not immune to damage. Cracks can be tiny and barely visible, or they can extend down into the root of the tooth.

Some cracks are harmless surface lines, while others can expose the inner pulp where the nerves and blood vessels live. When that happens, pain and infection become more likely. The severity of a cracked tooth depends on how deep the fracture goes and whether the tooth can still be saved.

Causes of a Cracked Tooth

There are multiple reasons why teeth develop cracks. In many cases, it’s not a single event but a combination of factors that weaken the tooth over time.

Biting down on hard foods

Something as simple as crunching on ice, chewing a popcorn kernel, or biting a boiled lolly can create enough force to crack a tooth.

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Constant grinding, often at night, puts stress on teeth and can cause cracks to develop gradually. Over time, enamel wears thin and small fractures appear.

Large fillings or previous dental work

Teeth that have already had fillings or work are more vulnerable. The natural structure has been modified, so everyday chewing can eventually lead to fractures.

Sudden trauma or injury

Falls, sporting accidents or other types of trauma to the face can cause a tooth to chip or crack instantly.

Age-related changes

As people age, enamel naturally becomes thinner and more brittle, which is why cracked teeth can be more common in our later years.

Temperature extremes

Moving quickly from very hot to very cold foods or drinks can sometimes stress enamel and contribute to small cracks.

Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth

A cracked tooth doesn’t always show symptoms straight away. Some people may not notice anything until the crack grows larger, and others may only feel discomfort occasionally.

Still, there are a few common signs to look out for:

Sharp pain when biting down or releasing pressure
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
A feeling that pain comes and goes, rather than being constant
Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth in some cases
Discomfort when chewing tougher foods
A visible line or chip in the tooth (though not all cracks are easy to see)

Since these symptoms can mimic other dental issues, such as cavities or gum problems, a careful and thorough diagnosis by an experienced dentist is important.

Types of Tooth Cracks

Not all cracks are exactly the same. Dentists often classify them into different types, based on how deep they run and whether or not they affect the root.

Craze lines

These are very fine cracks limited to the enamel. They don’t usually cause pain and don’t require treatment beyond monitoring. Many adults have craze lines as part of normal wear and tear.

Fractured cusp

When a piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling, it’s called a fractured cusp. This type usually doesn’t affect the pulp and can often be treated with a crown.

Cracked tooth (extending vertically)

This type involves a vertical crack that extends from the chewing surface toward the root but doesn’t split the tooth completely. It can cause pain and may require treatment like a crown or root canal.

Split tooth

A split tooth occurs when a crack divides the tooth into distinct segments. Saving the tooth can be difficult, but in some cases, part of it may be preserved.

Vertical root fracture

This is a crack that begins at the root and extends upward. These can be hard to detect until infection or gum swelling appears. Extraction is often needed if the crack cannot be treated.

How Dentists Diagnose a Fractured Tooth

To make sure that the issue stems from a cracked tooth, your dentist may use a combination of methods.

These methods can include:

Asking about when the pain happens (chewing, biting, with temperature changes)
Using special lights or magnification to detect fine lines
Applying pressure or bite tests to reproduce symptoms
Checking with dental dye or staining techniques
Using cone beam CT scans in some complex cases

The goal is to identify not just the presence of a crack, but also how deep it goes and what areas of your oral health may be affected.

Treatments for a Cracked Tooth

The right treatment depends on the type of crack, how severe it is, and whether the tooth can be preserved.

Composite bonding or porcelain veneers

For more minor cracks or chips, treatment with composite bonding or porcelain veneers can be used to address the shape and function of the tooth.

Dental crown

If the tooth has a significant crack but the root is still healthy, a crown can protect it and prevent further damage. Crowns cover the entire visible surface, strengthening the tooth against chewing forces.

Root canal therapy

If the crack has reached the pulp and caused infection or inflammation, a root canal may be required. The dentist removes the damaged pulp, disinfects the canal, and seals the tooth before placing a crown.

Extraction

If the crack extends below the gum line and the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option. Replacement options such as implants or bridges can then be considered.

Treatment for craze lines

Craze lines generally don’t need intervention but may be polished if they affect the appearance.

Recovering From a Cracked Tooth

Recovery depends on the treatment chosen. After a crown, composite bonding or porcelain veneers, chewing may be limited for a short time while the tooth adjusts.

Root canal therapy can require multiple visits, but once completed, pain should subside, and the tooth can last for many years with the right long-term care.

During recovery, dentists usually recommend avoiding very hard foods, maintaining oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard may help protect treated teeth from further fractures.

How to Prevent Cracked Teeth

To prevent teeth from becoming cracked or fractured, there are a few steps you can take.

We recommend to:

Avoid chewing on hard objects.
Be cautious with foods that can crack teeth, such as hard lollies.
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports.
Use a night mouthguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
Keep up with regular dental check-ups so early cracks can be spotted.
Address cavities and large fillings as soon as you can to prevent weakening the tooth structure.

Routine dental visits at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville can also help detect small issues before they worsen.

When to See a Dentist – and When It’s Urgent

Not every fractured tooth is an emergency, but delaying care can make the damage become worse.

If you have very minor cracks that aren’t causing functional issues, but that you would like to cover with composite bonding or porcelain veneers, you may choose to see a cosmetic dentist. At Oasis, we offer both general and cosmetic dental treatments.

We recommend booking a routine dental appointment if:

You notice occasional sharp pain but it doesn’t last long
A piece of filling has broken away without swelling or severe pain
You spot a visible surface line but it isn’t causing discomfort

You should seek emergency dental care if:

Pain is severe or constant
A tooth has split or a large part has broken away
There is swelling of the gum or face near the cracked tooth
You cannot bite down without significant discomfort

Get in Touch

A cracked tooth may sound minor, but it can become serious if ignored.

Cracks come in many forms, from harmless surface lines to deep fractures that extend into the root. Recognising the symptoms, understanding the types, and getting timely treatment are key to protecting your oral health.

At Oasis Dental Studio, we provide both routine and emergency care for cracked teeth across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, booking an appointment can make all the difference in saving the tooth and avoiding complications.

We also offer cosmetic dental treatments, like composite bonding or porcelain veneers, to cover up cracks for aesthetic purposes.

Cracked Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatments