Cracked and Chipped Tooth Repair in Woodinville, WA
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they can still crack or chip from biting hard foods, grinding, sports injuries, or accidents. Even a small crack can grow over time, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss. At Oasis Family Dentistry, Dr. Tim Hung repairs cracked and chipped teeth with durable, natural-looking restorations that restore strength, comfort, and confidence.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Cracked and Damaged Teeth
Not all cracks are the same. The type and depth of the damage determine the best way to treat it.
Craze Lines
These tiny, superficial lines in the enamel are very common in adults and usually cause no pain. They are mostly a cosmetic concern and can often be improved with dental bonding or veneers.
Chipped Teeth
A chip removes a small piece of enamel, often from a front tooth. Minor chips can be smoothed or repaired with tooth-colored bonding in a single visit.
Fractured Cusps
When a piece of a chewing surface breaks off, often around a large filling, a dental crown or onlay usually restores the tooth.
Cracked Tooth
A crack that extends from the chewing surface toward the root may cause pain when chewing. Early treatment with a crown can keep the crack from spreading. If the crack reaches the pulp, root canal therapy may be needed first.
Split Tooth or Vertical Root Fracture
Severe cracks that split the tooth or begin in the root are often not repairable. In these cases, a gentle extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge provides a lasting replacement.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
- Sharp pain when biting, especially when releasing the bite
- Pain that comes and goes rather than staying constant
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth
- A rough or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue
What Causes Teeth to Crack?
Common causes include chewing ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels; teeth grinding and clenching; large old fillings that weaken the tooth; sudden temperature changes; and trauma from falls or contact sports. Wearing a custom sports mouth guard or night guard can help prevent future damage.
How We Diagnose Cracks
Cracks can be difficult to see. Dr. Hung uses magnified images from our intraoral camera, digital X-rays, and bite tests to locate the problem and recommend the most conservative effective treatment. If a broken tooth is causing severe pain, call us for emergency dental care. See other dental conditions we treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Teeth
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel cannot repair itself. Cracks tend to spread over time, so early treatment is the best way to save the tooth.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
A small chip without pain can usually wait for a regular appointment. Large breaks, severe pain, or bleeding should be treated as an emergency. Call (425) 486-9245.
How is a chipped front tooth repaired?
Most chipped front teeth are repaired with tooth-colored bonding or porcelain veneers that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Will I need a crown for a cracked tooth?
Many cracked teeth benefit from a crown, which holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading.
Why does my cracked tooth only hurt sometimes?
Pressure from biting can cause the crack to open slightly, irritating the nerve. When pressure is released, the pain may stop, making it intermittent.
What should I do if I break a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces, apply a cold compress for swelling, and call our office right away.
How can I prevent cracked teeth?
Avoid chewing ice and hard objects, wear a mouth guard for sports, use a night guard if you grind, and keep up with regular checkups.
Repair Your Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Early repair can save your natural tooth. Call Oasis Family Dentistry at (425) 486-9245 or request an appointment online to have Dr. Hung evaluate your tooth.