A cracked tooth is a fracture extending through the hard outer layers of the tooth, the enamel and potentially the underlying dentin. This injury can range from a superficial line to a deep split, often causing significant pain and sensitivity. It is important to understand that a tooth fracture cannot be permanently fixed or healed outside of a dental office. Home methods are strictly for temporary management, aimed at reducing symptoms and protecting the tooth until professional care can be received. Seeking prompt dental attention is mandatory to save the tooth and prevent the fracture from worsening or leading to infection.
Classifying the Severity of the Crack
The mildest form of dental fracture is a craze line, a tiny, superficial crack limited only to the outer enamel layer that typically does not cause pain. A fractured cusp involves a break on the chewing surface, often around an existing filling, and while it may cause sensitivity, it usually does not extend into the soft inner pulp.
A true cracked tooth is a vertical fracture that begins on the chewing surface and extends toward the root, potentially reaching below the gum line. If left untreated, this crack can progress into a split tooth, where the fracture has completely separated the tooth into two distinct segments. The most severe classification is a vertical root fracture, which starts in the root and moves upward toward the surface, often leading to infection and requiring complex intervention.
Immediate Steps for Pain Relief
Sharp pain, often triggered by biting pressure or temperature changes, is the primary concern. One of the simplest and most effective initial steps is to rinse the mouth with warm salt water. This mixture acts as a mild disinfectant, helping to clear food debris and reduce the risk of localized inflammation. A standard solution involves dissolving about a half-teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of warm water.
For managing external swelling or throbbing pain, apply a cold compress to the cheek directly over the affected area. Wrapping ice in a clean cloth and holding it against the skin for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help numb the nerves and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are recommended for dental discomfort, as they address the pain and help reduce the inflammatory response accompanying the injury.
Temporary Protective Measures
Protecting the exposed or sharp edges of a cracked tooth prevents further injury to the soft tissues of the mouth. Dental wax, readily available at most pharmacies, can be molded and pressed onto the fractured area. This creates a smooth, temporary barrier that shields the tongue and cheek from jagged edges and helps prevent food particles from entering the crack. The wax should be replaced as needed, especially after eating or brushing, since it is not designed to bond permanently to the tooth.
If dental wax is not immediately accessible, a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum can serve a similar, though less ideal, function as a temporary shield. The gum should be softened and carefully placed over the sharp point of the tooth to smooth the surface until a dentist is seen. To minimize the risk of expanding the fracture, avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the injury is located.
Switching to a diet of soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup, reduces the mechanical stress placed on the compromised tooth structure. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods must be avoided completely, as they can easily catch in the crack, dislodge any temporary protection, or cause the fracture to deepen toward the root.
What a Dentist Will Do
A permanent resolution for a cracked tooth requires professional intervention, as the enamel layer cannot self-repair. The dentist will first determine the depth and location of the fracture using specialized dyes, magnification, and X-rays to plan the appropriate treatment.
For minor chips or surface cracks that do not extend into the dentin, dental bonding may be sufficient, which involves applying a tooth-colored resin to fill the defect. If the crack is deeper but the inner pulp is still healthy, the tooth is often protected with a full dental crown. The crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, holding the fractured pieces together and preventing the crack from spreading.
When the fracture has extended into the pulp, causing inflammation or infection, a root canal procedure is necessary to remove the damaged tissue before placing a crown. For fractures that extend deep below the gum line or split the tooth entirely, the damage is often too extensive, and the most predictable solution is extraction.