What Happens When a Tooth Cracks or Breaks?

What Happens When a Tooth Cracks or Breaks?

Biting down on something hard can sometimes cause a tooth to crack or break. In some cases, the damage is minor. In others, it can affect deeper layers of the tooth and require more involved care. Understanding the difference can help prevent further problems.

Not All Cracked Teeth Are the Same

A cracked or broken tooth can vary in severity depending on how deep the damage goes. Some cracks only affect the outer enamel and may not cause symptoms right away. Others can extend deeper toward the nerve, leading to pain, sensitivity, or infection.

Signs that a crack may be more serious include:

• Sharp pain when biting

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

• Pain that comes and goes

• Discomfort when releasing pressure after chewing

When a Cracked Tooth Can Be Treated Conservatively

If a crack is shallow and does not reach the nerve, treatment may be relatively simple tf. Options can include smoothing the area, placing a filling, or restoring the tooth with a crown to protect it from further damage.

Early evaluation is important, as untreated cracks can worsen over time.

When a Crack Is More Severe

If a crack extends into the inner layers of the tooth or affects the nerve, symptoms are usually more noticeable. In these cases, more advanced treatment may be needed to address pain, infection risk, or structural damage.

The appropriate treatment depends on:

• The depth of the crack

• Whether the nerve is involved

• The location of the tooth

• Overall bite function

Why Prompt Evaluation Matters

Cracked teeth don’t heal on their own. Even small cracks can spread with continued chewing pressure. Evaluating the

tooth early helps determine whether the issue can be managed conservatively or requires more involved care.

Delaying evaluation may increase the risk of complications, including infection or the need for tooth removal.

Cracked Tooth Evaluation in Mission Viejo

Assessing a cracked tooth involves examining the tooth structure, bite forces, and symptoms to determine the extent of the damage.

Our dental office is located at 27871 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, where cracked and broken teeth are routinely evaluated as part of comprehensive dental care.