Guide to Cracked or Chipped Teeth

What ARE cracked or chipped teeth?

Cracked or chipped teeth are one of the many common dental problems we see at Choice Dental. They often happen unexpectedly—biting something hard, a sports knock, or even gradual wear over time. Some chips are minor, but cracks can spread and lead to pain, infection, or tooth loss if left untreated.

Cracked vs Chipped: What’s the Difference?

• Chipped tooth: a piece of enamel breaks off (often cosmetic, sometimes sensitive).

• Cracked tooth: a fracture line forms in the tooth (can worsen with chewing and may reach the nerve).

Even if you can’t see the crack, you can still feel the symptoms—especially when biting.

Common Causes of Cracked or Chipped Teeth

• Biting hard foods

• Accidents or trauma (falls, sports injuries, car accidents)

• Tooth decay weakening the structure

• Old or large fillings that reduce tooth strength

• Teeth grinding/clenching (wear and micro-fractures over time)

• Sudden temperature changes (hot-to-cold stress on enamel)

• Natural wear and tear with age

Signs You Might Have a Crack or Chip

• Sharp edge catching your tongue

• Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweet foods

• Pain when biting or chewing (often comes and goes)

• Swelling or tenderness around the tooth

• A visible line or missing piece of tooth

• Bad taste, recurring gum boil, or ongoing discomfort (possible infection)

When to See a Dentist

Book an appointment as soon as possible if you have:

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Sensitivity that’s increasing

• A crack that’s visible or a piece that broke off

• Swelling, pus, or a gum “pimple”

• Any trauma to the mouth (even if pain is mild)

A minor chip can sometimes wait for the next available appointment, but more severe injuries should be treated urgently. If there’s significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or you can’t bite properly, treat it as urgent and call us for an emergency dental appointment.

What to Do at Home Until Your Appointment

These steps help protect the tooth and reduce discomfort:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water

• Avoid chewing on that side

• Skip hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot/cold foods

• Use dental wax (or sugar-free gum in a pinch) to cover sharp edges

• Take appropriate over-the-counter pain relief (as directed)

• If you still have the broken piece, keep it safe and bring it in

Avoid DIY glues or at-home repair kits—they can complicate professional treatment.

How Choice Dental Can Help

The right treatment depends on whether the damage is shallow (enamel-only) or deep (into dentine or the nerve). At Choice Dental, we’ll examine the tooth, check your bite, and recommend the most conservative option that restores strength and comfort.

Common treatment options

• Inlays & Onlays
  Often ideal for moderate damage and can restore teeth that are moderately decayed, chipped, cracked, or fractured.

• Crowns
  Crowns fully cover the tooth to protect the remaining structure. Crowns may be recommended when a tooth is fractured or has significant damage.

• Root Canal Treatment
  If a crack reaches the pulp/nerve or infection develops, root canal therapy can save the tooth by removing diseased tissue and sealing the canals.

• Emergency Dental Assessment
  If the crack is painful or the injury is significant, an emergency exam helps prevent the fracture spreading or turning into an infection.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Cracks can spread over time—especially with chewing pressure. Early treatment can:

• Prevent infection and nerve involvement

• Reduce the risk of needing extraction

• Preserve your bite and prevent further breakage

• Restore comfort and confidence faster

Next Step

If you’ve chipped a tooth or suspect a crack, don’t wait for it to “settle.” A quick check can confirm whether it’s minor—or something that needs prompt treatment.

Book with Choice Dental or call to schedule an assessment.