You bite into an apple and feel a sharp pain shoot through your tooth. Maybe you notice sensitivity to cold drinks or experience random aches throughout the day. These symptoms often point to a cracked tooth, and it’s understandable to hope the damage isn’t serious — but a cracked tooth won’t repair itself without treatment.
A cracked tooth cannot heal on its own because tooth enamel lacks the blood supply and living cells needed for natural repair. Unlike bones or skin, your teeth don’t regenerate once damaged, which means professional treatment is needed to prevent further complications.
Why Cracked Teeth Can’t Heal Naturally
Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but this strength comes with a significant limitation. Enamel contains no living cells or blood vessels that could repair damage over time.
When a crack forms, it creates a permanent pathway for bacteria to enter your tooth. Even tiny cracks can trap food particles and harmful bacteria, leading to decay and infection. Only microscopic surface scratches might benefit from natural remineralization through saliva, but any visible crack needs professional attention.
How to Recognize a Cracked Tooth
Many tooth cracks are invisible to the naked eye, hiding beneath the surface until symptoms appear. You might not see the damage, but your body sends clear warning signals when a crack develops. Common dental warning signs help identify problems early.
Common Warning Signs
- Sharp pain when biting down or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain that comes and goes throughout the day
- Swelling around the affected tooth
These symptoms often worsen over time as the crack deepens or bacteria enter the damaged area. You might notice pain that’s difficult to pinpoint, making it challenging to identify which tooth is affected. If you experience ongoing discomfort, visiting the dentist for tooth pain prevents more serious complications.
What Happens When You Delay Treatment
Ignoring a cracked tooth allows bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tooth structure. What starts as a manageable crack can quickly become a serious infection that threatens your overall oral health. Untreated tooth infections can spread beyond the affected tooth.
The crack acts like a doorway, letting bacteria reach the soft pulp inside your tooth. Once bacteria establish an infection, you might experience severe pain, swelling, and even fever. The crack can also extend further down the tooth root, making repair much more difficult and expensive.
Without treatment, you risk losing the tooth entirely. What could have been fixed with a simple filling or crown might eventually require extraction and replacement. Knowing your options for dental restorations helps you make informed treatment decisions.
Professional Treatment Options Available
Your Toronto dentist has several effective methods to repair cracked teeth and restore their function. The right treatment depends on the crack’s size, location, and depth.
For minor surface cracks, tooth-coloured bonding or fillings can seal the damage and prevent bacteria from entering. Deeper cracks often need dental crowns, which cover and protect the entire tooth while restoring its strength.
When cracks reach the tooth’s inner pulp, root canal therapy can remove infected tissue and save the natural tooth. Even severely damaged teeth might be saved through prompt professional care, though extraction and replacement become necessary in some cases.
How to Protect Your Teeth from Future Cracks
Prevention helps you avoid the pain and expense of dealing with cracked teeth. Simple changes to your daily habits can significantly reduce your risk of tooth damage. Preventing dental injuries starts with awareness of common risk factors.
Avoid chewing ice cubes, hard candies, or popcorn kernels that can crack even healthy teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects them from the intense pressure that can cause cracks. Never use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
Regular Toronto teeth cleaning appointments help maintain strong, healthy teeth that resist damage. Your dental team can also identify early signs of wear or weakness before they become serious problems. Athletes should wear mouthguards during contact sports to prevent impact injuries.
Get Help for a Cracked Tooth in Toronto
A cracked tooth needs prompt professional attention to prevent serious complications and preserve your natural smile. Our team at Arch Dental can evaluate your symptoms, identify the cause of your discomfort, and recommend the right treatment for long-term oral health.
Book an examination today and protect your smile from further damage.
