Repair & Restore
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Prompt Assessment and Personalised Treatment
A broken or cracked tooth can happen unexpectedly, whether from biting on something hard, an injury, or simply years of wear and tear. While some cracks are painful, others may not cause any symptoms at all.
Early assessment is important, as even a small crack can worsen over time if left untreated.
At Junction Village Dental, we'll carefully assess your tooth, explain what we've found and discuss the treatment options best suited to your individual situation.
What Causes Teeth to Break or Crack?
Teeth can crack or fracture for a variety of reasons, including:
- Biting hard foods
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- Trauma or sporting injuries
- Large existing fillings
- Natural wear over time
Back teeth (molars) are more commonly affected because they absorb the greatest chewing forces.
Signs of a Broken or Cracked Tooth
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the crack.
You may notice:
- Pain when biting or releasing pressure
- Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods
- A chipped, broken or rough edge
- Intermittent discomfort that comes and goes
- A visible crack or fracture
Sometimes a cracked tooth causes no symptoms and is only detected during a routine dental examination.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Not all cracks are the same. Some affect only the outer enamel, while others extend deeper into the tooth.
Without assessment, some cracks can progress over time, increasing the risk of pain, infection or the tooth becoming more difficult to restore.
Early diagnosis allows us to determine the most appropriate treatment and gives the best opportunity to preserve your natural tooth.
How Are Broken or Cracked Teeth Diagnosed?
Your assessment may include:
- A comprehensive clinical examination
- Bite testing
- Discussion of your symptoms
- Digital dental x-rays where clinically indicated
Not every crack is visible on an x-ray, which is why a thorough clinical examination is essential.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the location, extent and severity of the crack or fracture.
Monitoring
Very small or superficial cracks may simply require monitoring during your regular dental examinations.
Fillings or Bonding
Minor fractures may be restored with tooth-coloured composite resin to strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance.
Dental Crowns
If a tooth has been significantly weakened, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure and reduce the risk of further fracture.
Root Canal Treatment
If the crack has affected the dental pulp (nerve), root canal treatment may be required before the tooth is restored with a crown.
Tooth Removal
Unfortunately, some teeth develop fractures that extend below the gum line or into the root, making them impossible to restore. If this occurs, we'll discuss suitable replacement options, including dental implants, bridges or dentures.
Clenching and Grinding
If clenching or grinding is contributing to cracks or fractures, we may recommend a custom-made occlusal splint (night guard) to help protect your teeth from further damage.
Preventing Future Cracks
Regular dental examinations allow us to identify weakened teeth before they become larger problems.
Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend:
- Protective splints for grinding or clenching
- Replacing large failing fillings
- Protective crowns for heavily restored teeth
- Ongoing monitoring of teeth with minor cracks
When Should I See a Dentist?
We recommend arranging an appointment as soon as possible if you have:
- Broken or chipped a tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity that doesn't improve
- A visible crack
- Swelling or persistent toothache
Prompt assessment allows us to determine the cause of the problem and discuss the most appropriate treatment before it worsens.
Book an Assessment
If you've broken or cracked a tooth, or you're experiencing discomfort when chewing, our team is here to help. We'll assess the tooth, explain your treatment options and work with you to restore your smile as comfortably as possible.
