by Malavi Sivakanesan • 21 January 2025 • 5 min read
A cracked tooth can happen when you least expect it—biting into something too hard, an accidental fall, or even grinding your teeth at night. It might be scary to see a crack in your tooth, but be rest assured that your smile can be restored. The important thing is to act quickly and explore your options. Naturally, you might wonder what treatments are available and how a dentist will assess your situation. The good news is that modern dentistry offers several solutions to repair cracked teeth and prevent further damage. So, read on to learn how a dentist will assess your situation and learn about the best treatment options available for you.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a condition where there is a fracture or crack in the structure of the tooth. You can have this condition in any tooth, but it is most common in the upper front teeth and the back teeth of the lower jaw.
The discomfort due to a cracked tooth is dependent on how deep the fracture is. In serious cases, cracks can lead to tooth loss or infection.
Types of Cracks
Not all cracked teeth are of the same type. Some may only affect the front part, while some can cause extensive toothache and extend deep into the tooth:
- Craze Lines: Craze lines generally do not cause pain. They are just tiny cracks on the surface of the tooth.
- Fractured Cusp: Fractured Cusp is a small crack near the filling in the tooth, but it does not reach the inner part of the tooth.
- Split Tooth: A split tooth is a crack in the tooth that can divide the tooth completely into two parts.
- Cracked Wisdom Tooth: Wisdom teeth, due to their position, are more prone to cracks. Intense pressure during chewing leads to a cracked wisdom tooth.
How Dentists Diagnose a Cracked Tooth?
Identifying the cracked tooth accurately is the first step toward repairing it. Dentists use different types of diagnostic techniques to identify it:
Visual Examination
In this kind of examination, dentists use magnification tools like dental loupes or microscopes to examine any visible sore cracked tooth. If they are still unable to get it, they apply a special dye or stain to the tooth’s surface, which goes into the crack, making the crack more visible and leading to easier detection.
Bite Test
In this test, your dentist will ask you to bite down on something, like a cotton roll, bite stick, or a special tool. They will pay close attention to whether you feel any sharp, sudden pain when you bite down. The pressure from biting can cause discomfort, which helps the dentist pinpoint the exact location of a cracked tooth.
Light Test (Transillumination)
In this method, the dentist uses a fibre-optic transilluminator to shine a bright light through the tooth. A tooth with healthy enamel will allow the light to pass evenly, whereas a sharp cracked tooth will block this flow of light and appear as a dark line or shadow.
What Does A Dentist Do For A Cracked Tooth?
Read on to get an idea of long-term treatments and various options that can fix your tooth permanently:
Dental Bonding
Dental Composite bonding is one of the easiest and most effective ways to repair a minor crack in your tooth. The process involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the cracked area. It is then shaped, hardened with a special light, and polished to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth.
This treatment is quick, painless, and usually completed in just one visit to the dentist. Since bonding materials match the colour of your teeth, the repair is nearly invisible, making it a great option for front teeth or visible areas.
Dental Veneers
If you require minor orthodontic corrections and want to achieve a uniform and polished smile, then you should go for dental veneer teeth London. Veneers are ultra-thin custom covers made from materials like porcelain or composite resin. These covers are mostly used to fix cracked front teeth and make the front part smoother and even.
If proper oral hygiene is maintained and you go for regular dental check-ups, then it can last for 10 to 15 years. However, if you grind your teeth a lot, then replacements can be required early.
Dental Crown
If a crack is more severe, a dental crown can protect and restore the tooth. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the damaged tooth, preventing further breakage while improving its strength and appearance.
A crown acts like a shield, letting you bite and chew without worsening the crack. It’s a great option for cracked molar teeth or heavily used teeth.
Root Canal
In situations when a crack reaches the pulp, a root canal may be needed. This procedure removes infected or damaged tissue, preventing pain and further infection. The tooth is then sealed and usually covered with a crown for protection.
A root canal helps save your natural tooth instead of extracting it. While it may sound intimidating, modern techniques make the process comfortable.
To learn more about how to fix a cracked tooth and explore your options, check out our detailed blog on how to fix a cracked tooth.
Wrapping Up
A cracked tooth may seem like no big deal at first, but ignoring it can lead to serious issues, including tooth loss. And now that you know what a dentist can do for cracked tooth, you can make an informed decision about which treatment option suits you best.
However, the best step is to schedule a professional dental exam to assess the severity of the crack. If you have a cracked tooth, contact Complete Smiles today—a top-rated dental clinic in London offering comprehensive dental solutions to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile!
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.