Cracked tooth: Symptoms, treatment options and what to expect

16 / 10 / 2026

Cracked tooth: Symptoms, treatment options and what to expect

A cracked tooth can be tricky. Sometimes the crack is obvious, but often it is too small to see, and the symptoms come and go. If you have a tooth that twinges when you bite, you could have a crack. Here is what to look out for and how it can be treated.

Symptoms of a cracked tooth

• A sharp pain when biting down, especially when you release the bite.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods.
• Pain that comes and goes rather than a constant ache.
• Difficulty pinpointing exactly which tooth hurts.
• Swelling of the gum around the tooth.

What causes teeth to crack?

• Biting on something hard, such as ice, boiled sweets or olive stones.
• Clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth.
• Teeth that have had root canal treatment and become brittle.
• A knock or injury to the mouth.
• Sudden temperature changes.

How is it diagnosed?

Cracks can be hard to spot, even on x-rays. We will examine the tooth closely, ask you about your symptoms, and may use special tests such as asking you to bite on a small instrument to find the tooth that hurts. Digital x-rays help us check for other problems.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the size and position of the crack:

• Minor cracks: small cracks in the enamel may need nothing more than monitoring, or smoothing and polishing.
  
• Chipped or cracked cusp: if a corner of the tooth breaks off, it can often be repaired with a filling or, for larger breaks, a crown or onlay.
  
• Cracks reaching the nerve: root canal treatment followed by a crown can often save the tooth.
  
• Cracks into the root: if a crack extends below the gum line or splits the tooth, it may not be possible to save it. We will talk you through options for replacing it, such as a bridge, denture or implant.

A crown is often recommended for cracked teeth, as it holds the tooth together and protects it from further damage.

Why you should not wait

Cracks tend to get worse over time. Treating a cracked tooth early gives you the best chance of saving it with simpler treatment.

NHS and private options

Fillings and root canal treatment are band 2 on the NHS, and crowns are band 3. Private options offer a wider choice of materials.

Book an appointment

If you think you might have a cracked tooth, call us on 01494 527 971.