A cracked tooth is a structural dental condition where a fracture line forms within the tooth enamel or dentine. While some cracks remain superficial, others extend deeper toward the nerve or root, making the tooth unstable and vulnerable to infection or complete fracture.
Cracked teeth often begin with mild or intermittent symptoms, but they rarely remain stable. Pressure from chewing, temperature changes, or grinding can cause cracks to deepen over time, turning a manageable issue into a more complex dental problem. Early clinical assessment is important to determine the depth, direction, and risk associated with the crack, as this guides whether stabilisation, protection, or further treatment is required.
For an overview of how cracked teeth are assessed and managed within urgent care, see our guide to emergency dentistry.
At Deepcar Dental, cracked teeth are assessed as part of structured emergency care using examination and imaging to identify whether the tooth can be stabilised or requires further intervention. Emergency assessments are led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, a GDC-registered Principal Dentist with postgraduate training in restorative and digital dentistry, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment planning aimed at preserving the tooth wherever possible.
A cracked tooth occurs when a fracture develops within the tooth structure. The crack may involve:
Cracks compromise the tooth’s ability to withstand pressure. Unlike cavities, cracks do not heal or remineralise and tend to worsen with repeated biting forces.
Symptoms vary depending on the depth and location of the crack. Common presentations include:
If a crack reaches the nerve or allows bacteria to enter, symptoms may escalate quickly and lead to infection.
A cracked tooth is considered time-sensitive because structural damage progresses with use.
Same-day assessment is recommended if you experience:
Early stabilisation significantly improves the chance of saving the tooth.
Cracked teeth commonly result from:
Back molars are most frequently affected due to higher chewing forces.
Accurate diagnosis determines whether the tooth can be preserved.
Diagnosis focuses on identifying crack depth and direction:
Clinical examination
Digital X-rays
Bite tests
Transillumination
Magnification
Treatment focuses on stabilising the tooth, relieving pain, and preventing progression.
Our priority is always to preserve the natural tooth wherever clinically possible.
Untreated cracks typically worsen over time and may lead to:
Early intervention dramatically improves long-term outcomes.
Do:
Avoid:
No. Enamel and dentine cannot repair cracks without treatment.
Releasing pressure causes the crack to snap closed against the nerve.
Crowns stabilise many cracks, but deep or root-level fractures may still require root canal treatment or extraction.
A cracked tooth can worsen with time and pressure, but early assessment often allows the tooth to be stabilised and preserved.
Our emergency team will assess the crack depth, explain your options clearly, and help prevent further damage.