At Central Dental, our patients often ask us what to do with a cracked tooth that hasn’t fallen out. Whether it happened during a meal, a sports activity, or just out of the blue, we understand how concerning it can be. While not every cracked tooth is a dental emergency, knowing what steps to take right away and what cracked tooth treatment options are available can make a big difference.
Recognizing Cracked Tooth Symptoms
Sometimes it’s obvious—pain when biting, visible lines or chips—but other times, cracked tooth symptoms can be subtle. You may feel a sharp pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold. If you’re noticing any of these, it’s best to get evaluated promptly.
Cracked Tooth Not Falling Out: What to Do First
If your cracked tooth is still in place and not causing severe pain, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep it clean. Avoid chewing on that side, and try to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. We offer more detail on what qualifies as a cracked tooth emergency care case in our blog What to Do in a Dental Emergency.
Cracked Tooth Pain Relief at Home
While you’re waiting to see us, you can reduce discomfort by applying a cold compress to the outside of your face. Saltwater rinses can also help with inflammation, among other temporary home remedies.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
A common question we hear is, “Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?” Unfortunately, the answer is no. Unlike bones, teeth don’t regenerate. Even a small crack in a tooth can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important not to delay care. You might be wondering how long can you leave a cracked tooth untreated?—the longer you wait, the more likely it is the damage will spread or lead to infection.
How to Fix a Cracked Tooth: Treatment Options
So, how to fix a cracked tooth? Treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack. For minor cases, a cracked tooth filling or crown might be enough. More significant cracks could require a root canal or even extraction in rare cases.
Can a Cracked Tooth Be Saved?
Yes, in many cases a cracked tooth can be saved with timely intervention. If caught early, a crown or other restorative treatment may prevent further damage and pain. We always aim to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. In a dental emergency, we recommend reaching out ASAP.
Cracked Molar Treatment
Molars take on a lot of pressure during chewing, so they’re especially vulnerable to cracking. Cracked molar treatment often involves stronger materials for crowns or specialized fillings to withstand biting forces. We’ve had cases where a patient didn’t realize they had a cracked molar until they came in for a routine checkup.
What Happens if You Don’t Fix a Cracked Tooth?
Leaving a crack untreated can lead to infection, nerve damage, or tooth loss. The crack can spread deeper into the tooth, and what could have been a simple fix might turn into a more complex and costly procedure. There are practices and tools we recommend to help protect your teeth against dental emergencies!
When to Reach Out
Some patients wonder, “Should I go to the emergency room for tooth pain?” In most cases, your dentist is the best first call. We explain more in our blog When to See a Dentist vs. When to Go to the ER. At Central Dental, we offer flexible hours and emergency appointments to help patients when they need us most. If you’re covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), know that we accept it here.
Cracked teeth may not always feel like an urgent issue, but early care can prevent big problems. If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth not falling out, don’t wait. Whether you’re looking for cracked tooth pain relief, wondering can a cracked tooth be saved, or curious about cracked tooth treatment options, we’re here to guide you. Emergency? Contact us today to book your examination.
