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Cracked Tooth

My Tooth Has Cracked – What Should I Do?

A cracked tooth can be painful if the dental pulp (tooth nerve) is exposed, as it is highly sensitive. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, clean the affected area and, if swelling occurs, apply a cold compress. You should then see a dentist as soon as possible.

How Can a Cracked Tooth Be “Repaired”?

The appropriate treatment depends on the location and size of the defect. The first step is to smooth any sharp edges created by the crack. For small defects, smoothing the edges may be sufficient. Treatment varies considerably depending on where the tooth has cracked, how close the fracture line is to the dental pulp and the overall condition of the tooth.

The missing part of the tooth can be restored using specialised materials, usually a composite filling or a laboratory-made ceramic restoration. Depending on the extent of the damage, a conventional dental filling, inlay or onlay may be used. For larger defects, a veneer or dental crown may be recommended.

If the fracture has reached the dental pulp, the root canals must be treated first. This involves removing the affected dental pulp under local anaesthesia, preparing and cleaning the root canals, and filling them with a specialised material. Only then can the missing part of the tooth be reconstructed.