Restorative & Tooth Problems
Cracked tooth
A crack in a tooth that can cause pain when biting or with hot and cold.
Common sign
Pain on biting
Causes
Grinding, hard food, injury
Treatment
Depends on depth
May need
Crown or root canal
Overview
A tooth can crack from biting something hard, grinding, a large old filling, or an injury. Some cracks are small and harmless, while others reach deeper into the tooth.
A common sign is a sharp pain when you bite down and let go, or sensitivity to cold. Treatment depends on how deep the crack runs.
What to know
- Sharp pain on biting is a common sign
- Cracks range from tiny lines to deep splits
- Treatment depends on how deep the crack goes
- A crown often protects a badly cracked tooth
- A deep crack may need root canal or removal
Common questions
Why does it hurt only sometimes?
A crack can flex when you bite, briefly irritating the inside of the tooth, then settle.
Can a cracked tooth heal itself?
No. Tooth cannot repair a crack. The aim of treatment is to protect it and stop the crack spreading.
Will I need a crown?
Often a crown is used to hold the tooth together. Your dentist will advise based on the crack.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Many can. A deep crack reaching the root may mean the tooth cannot be kept.
Related topics
Cracked / failing filling
An old or cracked filling that no longer seals or supports the tooth.
Dental crown
A custom cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Structurally compromised tooth
A tooth weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings.
Root canal treatment
Treatment that saves a tooth by removing infected or damaged tissue inside it.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026