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Restorative care

Cracked tooth repair in Saratoga Springs

Does one tooth flash with pain on a crunchy bite, then settle right down? Does it ache with cold drinks though nothing looks wrong? A crack may be the cause.

Call (385) 396-5839Insurance and payment

How is a cracked tooth fixed?

It depends on how deep the crack goes. A small crack in the outer layer may be smoothed or bonded. A deeper crack often needs a crown to hold the tooth together, and root canal care if the crack reaches the nerve.

  • Cracks can be hard to see, even on x-rays
  • Finding a crack early leaves more ways to save the tooth
  • A crack below the gum line may mean the tooth must come out

Signs you may have a cracked tooth

Cracks do not always hurt all the time. That is why many people wait. Watch for:

  • A brief jolt as you chew, or the moment your jaw opens again
  • Pain that comes and goes with no clear pattern
  • New sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods in one spot
  • Swelling of the gum next to one tooth
  • A rough edge your tongue keeps finding

What makes teeth crack

Grinding or clenching, chewing ice or hard candy, an injury and large old fillings can all weaken a tooth. Teeth also wear down with age, which can leave them more likely to crack.

What to expect

  1. Find the crack. Your dentist asks where it hurts and when. They may ask you to chew gently on a small device, tooth by tooth, to pin down the spot. X-rays help check the root and bone.
  2. Choose a repair. Your dentist explains what they found and what fits best.
  3. Protect the tooth. Once it is repaired, the goal is to keep the crack from spreading.

Common repairs

  • Bonding. Tooth-colored material fills or covers a small crack or chip. See tooth bonding.
  • A crown. A cap covers the tooth and holds it together. See crowns.
  • Root canal care plus a crown. Used when the crack reaches the soft center of the tooth.
  • Removing the tooth. If a crack splits the tooth or runs below the gums, your dentist will talk with you about replacing it.

Protecting your teeth after a repair

  • Keep ice, pens, popcorn kernels and other hard things away from your back teeth
  • A tired jaw in the morning can mean you grind at night. A night guard can cushion your teeth.
  • Put in a mouth guard before games and practices
  • Regular exams let your dentist catch a new crack while it is still small

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about cracked tooth repair

Will the crack fix itself if I leave it alone?
It will not. Enamel has no way to knit back together the way bone does. The pain may fade for a while, yet the crack stays and can get bigger.
Why can't my dentist see the crack on an x-ray?
Many cracks are very thin or run in a direction an x-ray does not catch. Your dentist uses your symptoms, a bite test and a close look at the tooth to find them.
What should I do until my visit?
Chew on the other side and skip very hot, cold or hard foods. Call us if the pain gets worse or your gum swells.
Will insurance help pay for a crown on a cracked tooth?
Many plans help pay for crowns. We can check your benefits and share the costs before you decide. Learn more on our insurance page.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Dental Crowns

A custom cap that covers a weak or damaged tooth so you can chew with confidence again.

About dental crowns

Tooth Bonding

Tooth-colored resin that fills chips, small gaps and rough edges, often in one visit.

About tooth bonding

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 396-5839Get directions