A sudden, sharp pain when you bite down on something is usually your first clue that a tooth has cracked. This split in the hard outer enamel is also called a dental fracture, and can travel into the deeper layers of the tooth, even if the surface still looks normal. 

A dental fracture most commonly happens in the back molars. Small, superficial cracks are easy to miss because they can be hair-thin, the pain can come and go, and they may not clearly show up on standard dental X-rays. However, even the smallest cracks can put your dental health at risk by allowing bacteria to get inside your tooth. Over time, this can lead to a dental infection that requires invasive treatment like a root canal or tooth extraction. 

Read on to learn how you can avoid needing a root canal or tooth extraction with restorative dental care and where to find the best dentist in Weehawken for dental crowns. 

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

​​A cracked tooth does not always look broken in the mirror, so most people first notice it by how it feels when they eat or drink: 

  • Dental pain, including a sharp, stabbing pain when biting down on something hard or crunchy
  • Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods and drinks

Many people also experience tooth pain that comes and goes, which can make it hard to pinpoint which tooth is damaged because it may hurt during one bite, then feel fine for hours. That on-and-off pattern often happens because the crack can flex slightly under chewing pressure, then settle back into place. 

Even if your symptoms are mild and you are not experiencing any swelling of the gums, you should still schedule a dental exam soon because small cracks can grow quickly if not fixed in a timely manner. 

If you have swelling of your gums or face, a fever, severe pain that keeps you up, or a piece of the tooth breaks off, you need to see an emergency dentist right away. 

Different Types of Dental Fractures 

Dental fractures can look and feel very different, depending on how deep the damage goes and where it is on the tooth: 

  • A fractured cusp happens when one of the pointed chewing corners of a back tooth chips or breaks off. This often happens around a large filling, and it may cause sharp pain when you bite on that spot. 
  • A cracked tooth means there is a crack line that starts in the chewing surface and can travel downward, which can create on-and-off pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold. 
  • A split tooth is a more advanced crack where the tooth has separated into two distinct sections. This usually causes strong bite pain and usually needs more complex treatment because the tooth structure is no longer stable. 
  • Craze lines are tiny, shallow lines in the enamel that are very common and usually painless. They often show up with age or from normal wear without requiring treatment unless they collect stains or come with other symptoms.

Treatments for a Cracked Tooth

Because there are different types of dental cracks, there are also different types of treatment: 

  • Dental filling or dental bonding repairs superficial cracks, like patching a pothole. It works best when the damage is small and the surrounding tooth is still strong.
  • Dental bonding can also smooth out minor chips or cosmetic cracks. 
  • A dental crown is the most common and structurally sound treatment because it fits over the entire tooth. 

If not treated properly, a crack in the tooth can eventually lead to a tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess. Once this happens, a root canal is necessary to try to save the tooth. If the infection is advanced or the root canal is not effective, a tooth extraction is necessary. 

Getting a Dental Crown: What to Expect

Getting a dental crown is a painless and comfortable process: 

  • First, the area around your cracked tooth will be numbed with local anesthetic, so you will feel pressure instead of pain.
  • Then, your cracked tooth will be reshaped so the crown can sit snugly without making your bite feel bulky. 
  • Using dental impressions or digital dental imaging, a dental crown can be made in the exact shape of your natural tooth. 
  • In some cases, you will have a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made in a dental lab. In other cases, your permanent crown can be made right in the dental office. 
  • Your permanent crown will be permanently bonded to your remaining tooth and then fine-tuned so your teeth come together comfortably. 

Mild tenderness or temperature sensitivity for a few days is common, but if you notice worsening pain, swelling, or a bite that feels off, you should call so it can be readjusted.

What to do When You Crack a Tooth

If you crack a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist who provides the best dental crowns in Weehawken as soon as possible, even if the pain comes and goes. In the meantime: 

  • Avoid chewing on that side
  • Skip chewing on hard or crunchy foods
  • Stick to softer food options, so you do not force the crack to spread
  • If the tooth feels sharp or rough, do not pick at it and use dental wax to help temporarily protect your tooth and the soft tissues of your mouth 
  • Applying a cold pack to the cheek can help with soreness
  • Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication to help with pain and swelling 

Remember, if you have severe pain, swelling in the gum or face, fever, pus, or a piece of the tooth breaks off, you need to see an emergency dentist.

Finding the Best Dentist in Weehawken for Natural-Looking Dental Crowns

A dental crown is the best treatment for fixing and protecting a cracked tooth, and choosing the right restorative dentist to get the job done is important. 

Dr. Kaplan focuses on restorative dental care that blends seamlessly with your smile and bite, so you can eat and speak without worry. 

Our team is dedicated to providing a patient-first experience that is calm and gentle. We pay close attention to the small details that matter most, which is why patients across Hoboken, Bulls Ferry, West New York, and Edgewater trust Skyline Dental Designs for modern restorative dentistry that's both natural-looking and long-lasting. 

Ready to get a custom dental crown from the best dentist in Weehawken?