Cracked Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Know

Cracked teeth are more common than most people think—and if left untreated, they can lead to significant discomfort, infections, or even tooth loss. Whether the crack is visible or hidden beneath the surface, early detection and prompt treatment are essential for saving the tooth and maintaining your oral health.

At Royal Dental Care – Norridge, we help patients identify and treat cracked teeth using state-of-the-art technology and conservative, effective treatment options.

What Causes a Cracked Tooth?

Several everyday factors can lead to a cracked tooth, including:

• Biting on hard foods like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candies
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding wears down enamel and increases the risk of fractures
• Dental trauma or injury: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause visible cracks or internal damage
• Large fillings: Restorations that cover most of a tooth can weaken the natural structure
• Age: People over 50 are more prone to cracks due to years of wear and tear

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not every cracked tooth causes obvious pain, but common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Intermittent pain that comes and goes
• Swelling or discomfort in the gums around a specific tooth

Cracks can also be “silent,” meaning you may have no symptoms until the damage worsens. That’s why regular dental checkups at our Norridge clinic are so important. Learn more in our blog: Why Are Dental Checkups Important?

How We Diagnose Cracked Teeth

At Royal Dental Care – Norridge, we use visual exams, digital X-rays, and intraoral cameras to detect even the most subtle cracks. Some cracks may be below the gumline or within the tooth structure, requiring a thorough evaluation and testing.

If you experience pain when biting down but the source isn’t visible, you may have a cracked cusp or split tooth. We take the time to evaluate all possibilities before recommending treatment.

Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth

Your treatment plan will depend on the location, depth, and severity of the crack. Common treatment options include:

• Dental bonding: Ideal for minor surface cracks (craze lines), bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to restore the tooth’s structure.
• Dental crowns: For moderate cracks, we may place a crown to encase and protect the tooth from further damage. Read more: How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
• Root canal therapy: If the crack has reached the pulp (nerve), a root canal may be necessary to remove infected tissue and seal the tooth. Learn more: Signs You Might Need a Root Canal.
• Tooth extraction: In severe cases, such as a vertical root fracture, extraction may be the only option. We also offer oral surgery for complex cases.

We always aim to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

Can Cracked Teeth Heal?

Unlike bones, cracked teeth do not heal on their own. Some surface-level craze lines may not need treatment, but once a true crack forms, it can worsen without professional care.

Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection or abscess and may result in irreversible damage or tooth loss.

Preventing Future Cracks

We offer custom nightguards at Royal Dental Care Norridge for patients who grind their teeth. A nightguard cushions your bite and protects against damage caused by grinding during sleep. Learn more about our approach: How to Floss Your Teeth Correctly.

Other preventive tips include:

• Avoid chewing on ice or hard objects
• Wear a sports mouthguard during contact sports
• Maintain routine cleanings and checkups
• Address bite misalignment with Invisalign or other restorative solutions

Explore more: Benefits of Invisalign Over Braces.

When to See a Dentist

If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain, sensitivity, or discomfort while chewing, don’t wait. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation at our Norridge dental office. Even a small crack can compromise your oral health if left untreated.

We proudly serve patients in Norridge and nearby communities, offering compassionate, expert dental care for all ages.

Protect your smile with early diagnosis and personalized care. Contact Royal Dental Care – Norridge today.