Get Specialist Treatment for a Cracked Tooth in London
Specialist Endodontists • CBCT-guided care • Fixed transparent fees
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What is a cracked tooth?
A cracked tooth is a partial fracture in the enamel or deeper layers of the tooth. It may not show on standard X-rays, which is why cracked teeth are a common cause of unresolved dental pain. When you bite, the cracked segment can flex slightly, irritating the pulp and triggering sharp, inconsistent discomfort.
Cracks develop for many reasons: heavy biting forces, old fillings, accidental trauma, clenching and grinding, or simply long-term wear. Without timely treatment, a crack can deepen and allow bacteria into the tooth, eventually causing infection. Early assessment is key to avoiding this.
Types of Cracked Teeth
Not all cracks behave the same. Understanding the type helps determine the most predictable treatment.
Craze Lines
Very shallow enamel-only lines. Common, harmless, and usually require no treatment.
Fractured Cusp
A corner of the tooth breaks away, often around an old filling. Usually fixed with an onlay or crown.
Cracked Tooth (True Crack)
A crack running from the biting surface towards the root. Often causes pain on biting and may need a crown, and sometimes root canal treatment.
Split Tooth
A more advanced crack that divides the tooth into separate segments. Treatment depends on how far the split extends.
Vertical Root Fracture
A crack starting in the root. These are serious and often non-restorable, but require precise diagnosis before any decision.
Do you need treatment?
Common Symptoms
Cracked teeth can be inconsistent; completely fine one day and painful the next. Look out for:
- Sharp pain when biting or releasing pressure
- Sensitivity to cold, sweet foods, or temperature changes
- Intermittent or lingering aches
- Pain that appears only when chewing certain things
- A visible crack or chipped area
- Pain when tapping the tooth
- Old fillings repeatedly breaking
These symptoms usually indicate movement along the crack. The sooner the tooth is stabilised, the better the long-term outlook.
Does a Cracked Tooth Need to be Pulled?
Most cracked teeth do not require extraction. If the crack is limited to the crown, the tooth can usually be saved with a crown or onlay, and root canal treatment if the pulp is involved.
A tooth may need to be removed only when:
- the crack runs vertically down the root
- the tooth has split into fully separate pieces
- the remaining structure is too weak to restore
With CBCT imaging and microscopic assessment, we can determine precisely how deep the crack runs and whether the tooth is restorable. When salvageable, treatment success rates are excellent.
How we Diagnose Cracked Teeth
Because cracks often don’t appear on standard X-rays, diagnosis must be detailed and systematic.
1
CBCT 3D Imaging
for assessing deeper cracks and early infection
2
Microscope Examination
to locate tiny, otherwise invisible fractures
3
Transillumination
(a bright light revealing dark crack pathways)
4
Selective Bite Tests
to pinpoint the painful cusp
5
Vitality Tests
to assess nerve inflammation
6
High-resolution photography
for clear explanation and documentation
Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth
Treatment depends on how deep the crack is and whether the pulp is affected.
Bonded composite filling
Used for small, early cracks to stabilise the area.
Onlay or crown
Covers and reinforces the tooth, preventing the crack from spreading. The most common solution for treatable cracked teeth.
Root canal treatment
Needed when the pulp is irritated or infected. This removes bacteria from inside the tooth before it is reinforced with a crown.
Extraction
Recommended only when the crack is too deep or the tooth is non-restorable. We explain this clearly using imaging so you understand why.
When is Root Canal Treatment Required?
Root canal treatment is recommended when the crack has irritated or reached the nerve, causing:
- lingering thermal sensitivity
- pain on biting
- swelling or gum pimples
- evidence of infection on imaging
The procedure removes inflamed or infected pulp, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth internally. A crown then prevents further movement along the crack.
This combination reliably stops symptoms and preserves the natural tooth.
Costs & Payment Options
We provide clear, fixed fees from the outset. Your fee includes:
- specialist assessment and targeted imaging (CBCT where indicated)
- microscope-guided examination
- stabilisation or root canal treatment where required
- a temporary or permanent core restoration
- a written report for you and your dentist
The final crown or onlay is completed by your general dentist. If complex retreatment or post-removal is needed, we explain this in advance with full transparency.
Cracked teeth can feel worrying, especially when symptoms are unpredictable. With precise diagnosis and structured, specialist treatment, most cracked teeth can be saved — comfortably and predictably. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, we’ll give you clear answers and a plan that puts your long-term tooth health first.
Our location
99 Harley Street
Strategically located at the heart of London’s renowned medical district, the Academy of Advanced Endodontics enjoys its position on prestigious Harley Street, ensuring easy accessibility and a prime setting for patients and practitioners alike.
FAQs
Answering our most commonly asked questions.
What should I do if I think I have a cracked tooth?
If you suspect a crack, avoid chewing on that side and book an assessment as soon as possible. Cracks rarely improve on their own and often worsen with repeated biting pressure. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between needing a simple restoration and facing a non-restorable split. Even if the sensitivity is mild or intermittent, it’s worth getting checked — cracked teeth behave unpredictably, and the sooner they’re stabilised, the better the long-term outlook.
Can a cracked tooth be repaired?
Yes — most cracked teeth can be repaired successfully if caught early. Common solutions include bonded fillings, onlays, and crowns, which reinforce the tooth and stop the crack from travelling. If the nerve becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be required before the tooth is crowned. Only very deep cracks that reach the root surface or separate the tooth fully tend to be non-restorable. Diagnosis is key to determining the best repair.
Will a cracked tooth get worse if I don’t treat it?
Almost always, yes. Cracks deepen with time, chewing forces, and temperature changes. What begins as a small, restorable crack can progress into a split tooth or a vertical root fracture if ignored. Pain may come and go, which can tempt people to delay treatment, but the underlying structure remains compromised. Timely stabilisation prevents avoidable tooth loss.
Does a cracked tooth always hurt?
Not at all. Some cracked teeth produce intense pain when biting; others produce no symptoms at all. Many cracks are only detected during routine examination. Pain is influenced by the crack’s location, depth, and whether the pulp is irritated. Even a silent crack can spread unexpectedly, so if your dentist or endodontist notices a suspicious line, it’s worth investigating further.
Why does a cracked tooth hurt more when releasing pressure?
This is classic for cracked teeth. When you bite down, the cracked segment flexes slightly. When you release, the segment springs back, irritating the nerve inside the tooth. This “rebound” pain is one of the strongest indicators that a crack is present and helps us locate the affected cusp during examination.
How do you know if a tooth is restorable?
We assess the depth and direction of the crack using:
- CBCT 3D imaging
- transillumination
- microscope examination
- targeted bite tests
If the crack stays above the bone and the remaining structure can be reinforced, the tooth is usually restorable. If the crack extends down the root or divides the tooth into separate segments, predictability decreases. We show you images and explain the prognosis clearly so you can make an informed decision.
How long does treatment for a cracked tooth take?
It depends on the severity:
- Small cracks → 30–45 minutes for a bonded filling
- Moderate cracks → 60–90 minutes for an onlay or crown preparation
- Cracks involving the pulp → 90–150 minutes for root canal treatment, followed by crown placement with your dentist
We give you a clear timeline before treatment begins.
Can I leave a cracked tooth if it doesn’t hurt?
It’s not advisable. Pain isn’t a reliable indicator of seriousness. Many cracked teeth remain symptom-free until the crack suddenly deepens or the tooth splits. Early stabilisation prevents complications, including infection or the need for extraction.
Is a night guard helpful for cracked teeth?
Yes, particularly for people who clench or grind. A night guard reduces pressure on the teeth and protects them from future cracks. It doesn’t repair an existing crack, but it helps prevent new ones and may slow progression in early cases.
Is there anything I can do at home for a cracked tooth?
Home care can reduce symptoms temporarily — avoiding chewing on that side, sticking to softer foods, and taking appropriate pain relief. But these measures don’t repair the crack. Professional treatment is essential to prevent the crack from worsening or becoming infected.
What happens if a cracked tooth becomes infected?
If bacteria enter the crack and reach the pulp, the nerve becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms may include lingering pain, swelling, night-time throbbing, or a small pimple on the gum. In these cases, root canal treatment is required to remove bacteria from inside the tooth before it is reinforced with a crown. When treated promptly, success rates are high.
Tooth cracked in half — can it be saved?
It depends. If the tooth has cracked in half but is still attached, it may be possible to save one segment — typically the larger portion — by removing the loose section, performing root canal treatment if needed, and restoring the tooth with a crown. If the split extends below the gum or divides the tooth completely into separate pieces, the prognosis is poor. We assess this with CBCT imaging and microscopic examination before making any recommendation.
Tooth cracked in half but no pain — what should I do?
Even without pain, this is urgent. Lack of symptoms doesn’t mean the tooth is stable. The absence of pain often means the nerve has already died, or the crack hasn’t yet been triggered. A tooth cracked in half is at high risk of infection or further breakage. Early intervention may still save part of the tooth, but waiting significantly reduces options.
Can you fix a cracked molar tooth?
Yes — molars are some of the most successfully treated cracked teeth. They bear the highest biting forces, so they are more prone to cracks, but they also respond well to stabilisation with crowns. If the crack has affected the pulp, root canal treatment may be required first. With the right treatment plan, many cracked molars remain functional for years.
What is a vertical root fracture?
A vertical root fracture is a deep crack that starts in the root and travels upward. These cracks are difficult to detect and often appear only once infection or bone loss develops along the side of the root. Unfortunately, vertical root fractures are usually not restorable. Diagnosis involves CBCT imaging, microscopic examination, and careful testing. If confirmed, extraction is typically the advised treatment.
Do cracked teeth always need root canal treatment?
No. Root canal treatment is only required when the crack has irritated or infected the pulp. Many cracks are purely structural issues and can be treated with a crown or onlay alone. We confirm this with vitality testing and imaging during your assessment.
What causes cracked teeth?
Common causes include:
- clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- large, old fillings that no longer support the tooth
- biting hard objects (olive stones, ice, hard sweets)
- accidental trauma
- sudden temperature changes
- age-related weakening
Understanding the cause helps reduce the risk of future cracks.
Can a cracked wisdom tooth be repaired?
It depends on the tooth’s position and function. Cracked upper wisdom teeth can often be restored if they are in good alignment and contribute to chewing. Lower wisdom teeth, especially those partially erupted or hard to clean, are often better removed. We assess each case individually and explain the most predictable long-term option.
How much does cracked tooth repair cost privately?
Costs vary depending on the severity of the crack and the treatment required. Stabilisation, root canal treatment, and the final crown each have separate fees. We provide a fixed, transparent price during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.
Still have a question?
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