Crack Tooth Repair – 5 Procedures To Fix a Cracked or Broken Tooth

Perhaps you bit down on something hard or tripped and fell on concrete. It can be worrying when you first realise you have a cracked tooth. Is it a dental emergency, or can it wait?

Follow along as we discuss when you should visit an emergency dentist and the various procedures for repairing a cracked tooth.

When should you visit an emergency dentist for crack tooth repair?

As a rule, a dental emergency requires immediate treatment, usually by phoning a dentist for a same-day appointment. While a broken tooth with a large piece missing should be treated as a dental emergency, minor fractures or chipped teeth can usually wait until the next available scheduled appointment.

So now we’ve cleared that up, let’s discuss how a dentist can repair a cracked tooth.

Five crack tooth repair procedures

Although tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in the human body, it can still be cracked or broken. Fortunately, our experienced dentists can use cosmetic or restorative procedures to repair a cracked tooth. The treatment you have will depend on the extent of the damage, its location, and your budget.

Dental bonding

Composite bonding is the quickest and easiest way to repair a cracked tooth and is typically used for teeth that are cracked, chipped, discoloured, gapped, or malformed. The dentist etches the tooth’s surface to help the bonding adhere. The plastic composite is then applied, moulded, and smoothed before being hardened with a special blue light. It’s then shaped and polished to mimic a natural tooth.

Bonding works best for minor cracks and chips, particularly on front teeth. It may not be suitable for large breaks or back teeth that bear heavier bite pressure.

Root canal

The dentist may recommend root canal therapy if a crack has extended into the tooth’s pulp. The procedure involves removing decayed material from the canals and the tooth’s nerve.

It’s performed under local anaesthesia to ease any discomfort. A few weeks after root canal therapy, a dental crown may be placed to stop the crack from spreading.

Root canals often require more than one dental appointment.

Dental crown

Dental crowns are a form of cracked tooth repair generally reserved for a severely cracked tooth. A crown covers the whole of the visible portion of the tooth, giving it additional strength and protecting it from further damage.

At Bondi Dental, we’re pleased to offer patients same-day CEREC crowns, designed, milled, and placed in a single dental appointment.

Porcelain veneer

Veneers are bonded to the front surface of a tooth to conceal fine cracks and minor chips. A thin sliver of enamel is shaved off to accommodate the veneer, making the procedure permanent.

Once tooth enamel is removed, there is no going back. You may not be a candidate for veneers if your teeth are decayed or if you have gum disease.

Dental implant

If a crack in a tooth extends below the gum line, the dentist will not be able to repair it and will have to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. An implant acts as a tooth root and is secured into the jawbone for a permanent fit. Once it has bonded with the bone, it’s topped with a dental crown to complete the restoration.

Not sure what type of crack you have? Read our guide to cracked tooth types, symptoms, and treatment options before your appointment.

FAQs

Can a cracked tooth mend itself?

No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel cannot regenerate. A cracked tooth will not heal without dental treatment and may worsen over time if left untreated.

How do I know if my cracked tooth is a dental emergency?

If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or if a large piece of the tooth has broken off, treat it as an emergency and call your Bondi Beach dentist immediately for a same-day appointment. Minor chips or hairline cracks can usually wait for a scheduled visit.

Will a cracked tooth always need a crown?

Not always. Minor cracks may only require bonding or a veneer. A crown is typically recommended when the crack is extensive or the tooth structure is significantly compromised.

Is crack tooth repair painful?

Most procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, so you should feel minimal discomfort during treatment. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually short-lived.

How long does crack tooth repair last?

It depends on the procedure. When properly maintained, bonding can last 5 to 10 years, whereas crowns and implants can last up to 15 years. The longevity of any repair is increased by practising good dental hygiene and avoiding bad habits like grinding or chewing hard foods.

Can I eat normally after crack tooth repair?

This varies by treatment. After a bonding or a crown placement, your dentist will advise on what to avoid in the short term. Once healed, most repairs restore normal function.

Crack Tooth Repair Assessment in Bondi Beach

A cracked tooth won’t improve on its own — the sooner it’s assessed, the more treatment options you’ll have. Our team at Bondi Dental will examine the damage and recommend the most appropriate repair for your situation. We see patients from Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Tamarama, and North Bondi.

Call us on 02 9365 7187 or book online. You’ll find us at 136 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach.