Cracked Teeth

Cracks are one of the most common problems we see in adult teeth at Station St Dental.

Teeth are subjected to considerable forces over many years. Existing fillings, grinding and clenching, changes in the bite and simply decades of normal function can all contribute to cracks developing within a tooth.

Some cracks remain relatively minor for many years. Others can progress deeper into the tooth and eventually involve the dental pulp or extend into the root.

The important question isn’t simply “Is there a crack?”, but rather where is it, how far does it extend, is it causing symptoms, and does the tooth need protection?

$Extreme macro shot of a cracked tooth syndrome, showing a hairline fracture on a molar. - Station St Dental$

What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?

Cracked teeth don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, the symptoms can be surprisingly variable.

You may notice:

A sharp pain when biting on something firm
Pain as you release your bite
Sensitivity to cold or temperature changes
Intermittent toothache that is difficult to locate
A tooth that suddenly feels different when chewing
A piece of tooth or filling breaking away
A sharp edge against the tongue or cheek

Sometimes patients know exactly which tooth is responsible. In other cases, the discomfort can be difficult to reproduce or even seem to move between teeth.

Why Do Teeth Crack?

Cracks are particularly common in back teeth because of the forces they experience during chewing.

Factors that can contribute include:

Large or older fillings
Loss of natural tooth structure
Grinding or clenching
Heavy biting forces
Tooth wear
Previous trauma
The shape and position of the tooth within the bite
Normal fatigue of tooth structure over many years

A crack doesn’t necessarily mean that a tooth has been poorly cared for. We frequently see cracks in otherwise healthy teeth with little or no decay.

Diagnosing a Cracked Tooth

Cracks can be challenging to diagnose because they don’t always appear clearly on dental X-rays.
Assessment may involve examining the tooth carefully, testing individual parts of the tooth under biting pressure, assessing temperature sensitivity, examining existing restorations and evaluating the tooth within the overall bite.

Digital X-rays remain useful for assessing the tooth and surrounding structures, but diagnosing a crack often relies heavily on careful clinical examination and experience.

Does Every Cracked Tooth Need Treatment?

No.

Minor cracks within enamel are extremely common and don’t necessarily require treatment. Other cracks need to be monitored, while some teeth benefit from being protected before further fracture occurs.

The appropriate treatment depends on the location, extent and symptoms associated with the crack, as well as how much healthy tooth structure remains.

Treatment might range from observation or a conservative bonded restoration through to a ceramic onlay or crown designed to protect a structurally weakened tooth.

If the crack has affected the dental pulp, root canal treatment may also be required.
Unfortunately, some cracks extend so deeply through the tooth or root that the tooth cannot predictably be restored. In these situations, extraction may ultimately be necessary.

Early Assessment Can Preserve Options

One of the challenges with cracked teeth is that their behaviour isn’t always predictable.

Our approach is therefore not to automatically crown every tooth containing a crack, nor to ignore a tooth that is showing signs of structural failure.

We assess the individual tooth, its symptoms, existing restorations and the forces acting upon it, then discuss the most conservative predictable treatment appropriate to the situation.

If you experience sharp biting pain, unexplained sensitivity or notice that part of a tooth has fractured, an assessment can help determine whether a crack is present and what, if anything, needs to be done.

Why Choose Station St Dental?

Truly Holistic Dental Care

At Station St Dental, we treat more than just your teeth - we care for your complete oral health. Our approach takes into account everything that could impact your smile, from breathing and lifestyle habits to personal goals and even work-related factors. We look at the full picture to provide the most effective, personalised care possible.

Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry

Our experienced dentists are skilled in a wide range of dental treatments, allowing us to offer comprehensive care under one roof. From preventive and general dentistry to more complex procedures, we’re equipped to manage the oral health needs of the whole family.

To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.

A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment

We know that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some. That’s why we go above and beyond to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages feel safe and at ease. With calming background music throughout the practice, we aim to make every appointment as pleasant as possible.

Family-Focused Dentistry

Families are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s your toddler’s first dental check-up, orthodontic care for your teen, or cosmetic treatments for you - we tailor our approach to suit each family member’s individual needs.

It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.

Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.