Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Chips, cracks & breaks

Cracked tooth

See a dentist soon6 treatment options

Pain when biting, or twinges with hot and cold, can mean a cracked tooth. Cracks cannot heal on their own, so early treatment matters.

How urgent is it? See a dentist soon

See a dentist as soon as you can. Seek urgent care if you have swelling, severe pain that painkillers do not help, or signs of infection.

When to call 999, NHS 111 or your dentist

What it is

A crack can range from harmless hairline marks in the enamel to a fracture that runs down towards the root. Tiny surface 'craze lines' are very common and usually need no treatment, but deeper cracks can cause pain and may spread over time.

Cracks are often hard to spot. The Oral Health Foundation explains that they frequently do not show on ordinary X-rays, so your dentist may use a bright light, a special dye or sometimes a detailed 3D scan to find one.

Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal itself. Treatment depends on how deep the crack goes and whether it has reached the nerve. Getting seen early gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially when you release the bite
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pain that comes and goes without an obvious cause
  • A visible line on the tooth surface

Usual causes

  • Grinding or clenching the teeth
  • Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth
  • Biting on hard things such as ice, fruit stones, bones or boiled sweets
  • Knocks and injuries to the jaw
  • Sudden temperature changes, such as hot food followed by something very cold

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Dental bonding

    Small cracks where tooth-coloured resin can seal the crack and restore the shape.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  2. Veneers

    Cracks on the front of a front tooth where enough healthy tooth remains.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  3. Crowns

    Larger cracks, especially on back teeth, where a crown can hold the tooth together.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Inlays and onlays

    A cracked cusp on a back tooth where an onlay can cover and protect the biting surface without a full crown.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  5. Root canal treatment

    When the crack has reached the nerve; usually followed by a crown.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  6. Tooth extraction

    When the crack runs deep into the root and the tooth cannot be saved.

    Available on the NHSSurgical

What you can do now

  • Chew on the other side of your mouth until the tooth is checked
  • Avoid very hard, very hot or very cold food and drink
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed, following the pack instructions

Preventing it

  • Ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind or clench
  • Avoid chewing ice, pens and other hard objects
  • Wear a mouthguard for contact sports

Common questions

Will a cracked tooth show on an X-ray?

Often not. A crack has to line up exactly with the X-ray beam to be seen, so dentists may use other tests such as a bright light or dye.

Do I need treatment for craze lines?

No. Craze lines are tiny surface cracks in the enamel that are common and painless, and they do not need treatment.

Can a cracked tooth get worse?

Yes. An untreated crack can spread and in some cases the tooth eventually splits, which is why early assessment is recommended.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.