couple in park woman giving man an apple

Cracked Tooth Syndrome 101

Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a tooth has a crack that’s too small to show up on X-rays, or is under the gum and challenging to identify. It appears most often on molars.

Signs & Symptoms

Most people experience cracked tooth syndrome as pain or discomfort when biting into food, or when teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures. The pain or discomfort won’t be constant, as with a cavity.

Causes

As with many conditions in the mouth, there’s no one reason for cracked tooth syndrome. However, some common causes include:

  • People who grind or clench their teeth
  • The way a person's teeth come together it can put too much pressure on one tooth, causing the tooth to crack
  • Teeth with large fillings
  • Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment

Diagnosis

Many people with cracked tooth syndrome have symptoms for months because it’s one of the most difficult dental problems to diagnose. A complete oral examination, dental history, radiographs and the use of a fiber optic hand piece can assist in the detection of cracks. People with a history of a cracked tooth are more likely to have others, either at the same time or in the future.

Prevention

If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about treatment. Grinding can increase your risk of cracked tooth syndrome.

Treatment

There are several treatments options including bonding, placing a crown, performing a root canal or in severe cases extraction. The type of treatment your dentist recommends will depend on the location and severity of the tooth fracture, so it's best to schedule an appointment as soon as you suspect that you may have a crack in your tooth.

Complications

If the crack gets bigger, a piece of the tooth may break off. There’s an increased risk of developing an infection in the gum around the fractured tooth. You may notice a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, an abscess. If you notice this, please see your dentist for an oral care evaluation.

Related Conditions

Teeth are remarkably strong, but they can chip, crack (fracture) or break, which can cause nerve damage and any associated discomfort. Also, based on what caused the cracked tooth, a filling or crown may have become dislodged or lost completely.

$altImage

Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?

Sign up now

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Mobile Top Image
Was this article helpful?

Thank you for submitting your feedback!

If you’d like a response, Contact Us.

Mobile Bottom Image