Cracked Tooth? Here’s How Fillings and Restorations Can Save It

A cracked tooth happens when a tooth develops a small or large fracture in the enamel or deeper layers. These cracks can be caused by many things, like biting down on hard foods like ice or nuts, grinding your teeth at night, or even getting hit in the mouth during sports or an accident. [1] 

It’s important not to ignore a cracked tooth. Even if the pain comes and goes, the crack can get worse over time. If left untreated, it may lead to infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss.

The good news is that many cracked teeth can be saved. Thanks to modern dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and other treatments, dentists can repair the damage, stop the pain, and protect your natural tooth from further harm. [2] 

How Do You Know If You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Sometimes, a cracked tooth is easy to notice, but other times, it’s not so obvious. One common sign is sharp pain when you bite down or chew, especially if the pain comes and goes. You might also feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or have a hard time pinpointing exactly where the pain is coming from. [1] 

It’s also important to know that some cracks are too small to see, even on X-rays, but they can still cause discomfort and lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. That’s why many people don’t realize they have a cracked tooth until the pain becomes more frequent or severe. [3] 

If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a check-up at Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics. Our experienced dental team can examine your teeth closely and use the right tools to detect cracks early, before they turn into bigger problems.

Why Prompt Treatment Is Important

If you think you might have a cracked tooth, it’s important to get it checked and treated as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make the crack worse, and what starts as a small issue could lead to serious problems, like infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss. 

When a crack gets deeper, it can reach the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are. If this area becomes infected, you might need a root canal, or in severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed. 

The sooner you visit your dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth with a simple and less expensive treatment. 

Fillings: A Simple Fix for Minor Cracks

For small, surface-level cracks, a dental filling might be all you need. Fillings are commonly used when the crack hasn’t reached the deeper layers of the tooth. They work by sealing the crack, restoring the tooth’s shape, and preventing bacteria from getting inside. [1] 

At Englewood Dental, we often use tooth-colored composite resin for fillings. This material not only blends in with your natural teeth, but it also bonds strongly to the tooth structure, helping to support and protect it from further damage.

While fillings are a great option for minor cracks, it’s important to catch the problem early. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the crack will grow deeper and require a more advanced treatment.

Dental Crowns: Protecting and Reinforcing Cracked Teeth

If the crack in your tooth is too large for a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth. It holds the tooth together, protects it from further cracking, and restores its strength and shape.

Crowns are especially helpful when a crack is deep but hasn’t reached the nerve of the tooth yet. By covering the tooth, a crown prevents the crack from spreading and helps you chew without pain or pressure. [3] 

Inlays and Onlays: When a Filling Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, a cracked tooth needs more support than a regular filling, but doesn’t require a full crown. In these cases, inlays or onlays may be the right solution. These are custom-made pieces that fit into or over the damaged part of your tooth to restore its strength and function. [4]  

• An inlay fits inside the grooves of your tooth (like a puzzle piece).
• An onlay covers a larger area, possibly including one or more cusps (the points of the tooth).

Both inlays and onlays are made from strong materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold. They’re more durable than fillings and are bonded to the tooth for a secure, long-lasting fit. [5] 

Root Canal Treatment for Cracks That Reach the Pulp

If a crack goes deep enough to reach the pulp, the inner part of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are, you may need a root canal. This happens when bacteria enter the crack and cause an infection inside the tooth. [6] 

A root canal is a treatment that removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. It may sound scary, but it’s actually a common and safe way to save your natural tooth and stop pain 

After a root canal, the tooth is usually covered with a dental crown to restore its strength and protect it from future damage. 

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or sensitivity in a cracked tooth, don’t wait. The sooner a root canal is done, the better the chances of saving your tooth and avoiding extraction.

What Happens If a Tooth Can’t Be Saved?

In some cases, a crack is too deep or the tooth is too damaged to be repaired. If this happens, your dentist may recommend removing the tooth to prevent infection and protect your overall oral health. [1]  

While tooth extraction sounds like a last resort, it can actually be the best step toward long-term comfort and health, especially if the cracked tooth is causing pain or putting nearby teeth at risk.

The good news is that you have options to replace the missing tooth. At Englewood Dental, we offer advanced solutions like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile and help you chew and speak comfortably again 

Losing a tooth doesn’t mean losing your smile. Our team will guide you through every step and help you choose the best replacement option for your needs and lifestyle.

Book an Appointment with Englewood Dental, NJ Now!

A cracked tooth may seem small, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, pain, infection, or even tooth loss. The good news is, modern dental treatments like fillings, crowns, inlays, and root canals can often save your tooth if caught early 

If you’re feeling pain when chewing, noticing sensitivity to hot or cold, or think you may have a cracked tooth, don’t wait. At Englewood Dental NJ – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we’re here to help you protect your natural teeth and keep your smile healthy.

Call us today at Englewood Dental in New Jersey to schedule a consultation. Early treatment can make all the difference, and save your tooth.