Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Call a Dentist
- Dr. Bryant Anderson
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
A cracked tooth can be painful, frustrating, and sometimes confusing. In some cases, the damage is obvious, like when you bite down on something hard and a piece of your tooth breaks off. But other times, a crack may be small and hard to see, even though it’s causing discomfort. If you need treatment for a cracked tooth in Winter Park, FL, our team is here to help!
This quick guide explains how to recognize the symptoms of a cracked tooth, what causes it, and when it’s time to see a dentist.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A CRACKED TOOTH?
When a tooth breaks and a visible piece falls off, it’s easy to tell something is wrong. However, many tooth cracks are much smaller and may not be easy to see in the mirror.
Instead, the first sign is often discomfort or sensitivity that seems to come and go.
Common symptoms of a cracked tooth include:
Sharp pain when biting or chewing
Pain that comes and goes rather than staying constant
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Pain when releasing your bite after chewing
Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums
A rough or sharp spot you can feel with your tongue
Because cracks can be very small, they sometimes don’t show up clearly without a dental exam and imaging. In many cases, we can identify superficial cracks during your routine dental check-ups and plan ahead to address them, helping you avoid more involved treatments and discomfort later.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our team to evaluate the tooth before the crack spreads.
WHEN TO CALL A DENTIST FOR A CRACKED TOOTH
A cracked tooth will not heal on its own. In fact, cracks often get larger over time as you continue chewing and using the tooth, because the pressure can push the pieces of the tooth apart.
You may want to call us about treatment for a cracked tooth in Winter Park if you experience:
Sudden pain when biting down
Ongoing tooth sensitivity that wasn’t there before
A tooth that feels different or uneven when you bite
Visible damage, such as a chip or fracture
Even if the pain seems mild, early treatment can often prevent the crack from getting deeper and affecting the inner part of the tooth.
We have special tools, lighting, and imaging technology that can help identify cracks that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
WHAT CAN CAUSE A CRACKED TOOTH
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Over time, everyday habits and certain dental conditions can weaken teeth and make them more vulnerable to cracking.
Some of the most common causes of cracked teeth include:
Biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
Trauma or injury to the mouth
Natural wear and tear as teeth age
Teeth that already have significant decay or large fillings are often more prone to cracking because they don’t have as much natural tooth structure to support them. However, any tooth can crack under the right conditions, so it’s important to do what you can to protect your teeth when possible!
HOW TO PREVENT TEETH FROM CRACKING
While not every cracked tooth can be prevented, there are several simple steps you can take to protect your teeth from damage.
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Teeth grinding places a tremendous amount of pressure on teeth and is one of the most common causes of cracks. A custom night guard can cushion and protect your teeth while you sleep.
Avoid chewing extremely hard objects.
Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and even using your teeth to open packages can put excessive stress on your teeth.
Schedule recommended dental treatments ASAP.
If your dentist recommends repairing a weakened tooth with a crown or other restoration, doing so can help prevent the tooth from cracking later.
Keep up with regular dental checkups.
Routine exams allow dentists to identify small cracks or weakened teeth before they turn into larger problems.
These simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your teeth strong and healthy. If problems do arise, our team at Anderson Family Dental can help with gentle treatment for cracked teeth in Winter Park!
HOW DO DENTISTS TREAT CRACKED TEETH?
The right treatment for a cracked tooth depends on several factors, including how deep the crack is and whether it has reached the inner pulp of the tooth.
Our team will typically evaluate cracked teeth using visual exams, bite tests, and digital imaging to determine the best solution.
Common treatments include:
Dental crowns are frequently the best treatment. A crown covers the entire tooth and holds the structure together, protecting it from further damage.
Root canal treatment can relieve pain and prevent infection if a crack reaches the tooth's pulp. With a dental crown to strengthen it, this can frequently save a tooth.
Tooth extraction and replacement are sometimes the only options if a crack extends below the gumline or splits the tooth completely. We can replace missing teeth with bridges or dental implants to restore your complete smile.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth in Winter Park, FL, it’s important to contact our team as soon as possible! The sooner we can diagnose and treat a cracked tooth, the more likely it is that we can save your tooth.
Looking for Cracked Tooth Treatment in Winter Park, FL? Our Team Is Here to Help!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or discomfort when chewing, a cracked tooth may be the cause. Getting it checked early can help prevent the damage from spreading and protect the long-term health of your smile.
At Anderson Family Dental, we take the time to carefully evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment for your situation. Whether your tooth needs a protective crown or another restorative solution, our goal is to relieve your pain and restore the strength of your smile.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth, contact Anderson Family Dental today to schedule an appointment and learn more about cracked tooth treatments in Winter Park, FL.
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE
