If you crack a tooth, you need to treat the situation as an emergency and schedule an urgent appointment with Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California.
This is because only a dental professional can tell if a crack is minor or if it needs major work right away to preserve the tooth. In this blog, Dr. Ellis — who provides emergency dentistry services — explains why cracks can be serious, what you should do if you crack a tooth, and how cracks can be treated.
The anatomy of a crack
Your teeth are naturally protected by a hard, durable layer called enamel, which is responsible for their bright, pearly white appearance. Enamel isn’t just for looks—it’s actually the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than bone. This incredible strength is essential because it shields the inner layers of your teeth from daily wear and tear.
Beneath the enamel lies a mineralized layer known as dentin, which helps support the tooth’s structure. At the very core of each tooth is the pulp—a soft, living tissue that houses blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. This inner chamber is vital for keeping the tooth healthy, and the enamel acts as its first line of defense against harmful bacteria and external damage.
When a tooth is cracked, this protective barrier is compromised. Even small fractures can weaken the tooth’s structure, making it more susceptible to further damage. In some cases, minor cracks may not require treatment or can be easily repaired with a bit of dental resin. However, more severe cracks pose a greater risk. If the fracture extends deep enough, bacteria can seep inside, leading to decay, infection, gum disease, or even irreversible damage to the pulp.
Because it’s difficult to determine the severity of a crack on your own, it’s crucial to visit the dentist as soon as possible for a professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent complications, preserve the integrity of your tooth, and help you avoid more extensive treatments down the road.
What you should do if you crack a tooth
If you crack a tooth, don’t panic. First, assess the situation, and then follow these steps:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove blood and debris
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to any swelling
- Take acetaminophen — not aspirin, which is a blood thinner — for pain relief. And don’t use a topical painkiller, such as Orajel™ or Anbesol®, because it can burn the gums.
- Put some dental wax (available at drug stores) over any jagged edges
- Get to the dentist as soon as possible
Once you arrive, Dr. Ellis will take an X-ray to assess the extent of the damage and act accordingly.
Treating a cracked tooth
The treatment Dr. Ellis chooses will depend on the severity of the crack. If you just have a jagged edge, or it’s mostly just a surface crack, she may either polish the surface or use dental bonding (tooth-colored resin) to fill in the gaps.
If the crack extends into the pulp chamber, repair is essential to prevent bacteria and food debris from entering and causing an infection. Dr. Ellis will send you to an endodontist to perform a root canal procedure.
During a root canal, the endodontist drills a small hole in your tooth, removes the pulp, cleans the tooth’s inner chamber, and fills the chamber with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Once completed, if enough of the original tooth structure remains, Dr. Ellis can fill the missing section with dental bonding. If not enough of the tooth is left, she can place a dental crown on the tooth.
Sometimes, though, a root canal can’t save a cracked tooth. If the crack is too severe, you may need to have the tooth removed. In these cases, Dr. Ellis can replace the tooth with a dental implant. With a dental implant, Dr. Ellis places a titanium screw in your jawbone, which serves as an artificial “root,” and puts a crown on top. Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth.
If you’ve cracked your tooth, don’t despair. Dr. Ellis can help. To learn more, call (925) 272-2698, or book an appointment online with Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. today.