Sometimes all it takes is a piece of ice or a bit of hard candy to crack a tooth. Even grinding while you sleep can do the same. Acting fast can prevent pain and infection. This quick guide walks you through what to do immediately, your dental treatment options, and how to stop cracks from coming back.
Step-by-Step: What to Do if Tooth is Cracked
- Rinse your mouth using warm water.
- Use a cold compress near the sore area.
- Bleeding? Press clean gauze for several minutes.
- Preserve any piece of the tooth in milk.
- Stick to soft food only.
- Take painkillers if needed.
- Call your dentist right away.
Don’t use household adhesives or scrap tools on teeth.
How Dentists Treat Cracked Teeth
- Bonding – Ideal for small, harmless lines.
- Crown – Restores strength when the crack threatens to spread.
- Root Canal – Needed if pain suggests nerve involvement.
- Extraction – Last resort for unsalvageable breaks.
- Reattachment – If you bring the piece quickly, re‑bonding might work.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
Nope, enamel doesn’t grow back, sadly. You can numb the pain or baby the tooth for a while, but that’s not fixing it. Only a dentist can sort it out for real. If you ignore it, the crack can get worse, and that’s when infection or tooth loss kicks in.
Thinking about enhancing your smile? Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.