Cracked or chipped tooth: causes, symptoms and what to do

Is a chipped tooth an emergency?

Cleveland Clinic's chipped tooth page does not call it an emergency, but advises scheduling a dental appointment as soon as possible, and says only a provider can judge how serious it is. Severe pain or exposed nerves need prompt care, and a major chip exposing inner tissue can lead to infection. Healthline says not every chip is urgent, but most cracks need a dentist, since the depth of damage is hard to judge, and to seek care quickly for heavy bleeding or severe pain.

Will a small chipped tooth smooth out?

Cleveland Clinic says minor chips often need little treatment, a provider may buff the jagged edges and over time the tooth may smooth out even more on its own. It does not say a chip will repair itself. A dentist can check that the chip is not deeper than it looks.

Can a fractured tooth be saved?

The AAE says a cracked tooth can often be saved if treated early, but if the crack extends below the gumline it cannot be saved and must be extracted. A split tooth cannot be saved intact, though part of it may be, and a vertical root fracture may need extraction or endodontic surgery. Cleveland Clinic says cracks do not heal on their own but prompt treatment may save the tooth, and lists five types of cracks.

Can a broken tooth cause a headache?

Neither Cleveland Clinic's nor the AAE's pages mention headaches. Cleveland Clinic lists sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature or sweets, swelling around the tooth and toothache when chewing, and says untreated cracks can lead to an abscess. Our toothache guides cover headaches from tooth problems.

Why does my tongue look cracked?

The sources we read do not cover a cracked tongue, which is a different problem from a cracked tooth. A dentist or doctor can examine it, especially if it is sore, white or has changed recently.

Can you talk with a fractured jaw?

The sources we read do not say. Cleveland Clinic says a broken jaw is a medical emergency, that you need immediate care if you suspect one, and that untreated breaks may not heal properly, which can affect eating, speaking, breathing, appearance or jaw function.

Can I still wear my cracked retainer?

Not covered by the sources we read. A cracked retainer may have sharp edges and may not hold your teeth correctly, so call your orthodontist, as Cleveland Clinic says to contact your provider if a retainer is broken. See our retainer guides.

What to do until you are seen

Rinse with warm water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, use a cold compress and avoid chewing on the damaged side, according to Healthline, which says doctors do not advise home fixes. Cleveland Clinic suggests an ice pack, salt water and NSAIDs. If you find the fragment, store it in milk and bring it, as Cleveland Clinic says.

Types of cracks

Cleveland Clinic lists five types: craze lines, which are hairline cracks in the enamel that are usually painless, a fractured cusp, often around a filling, a vertical cracked tooth, a split tooth and a vertical root fracture that starts below the gumline. The AAE describes the same groups and says a fractured cusp rarely affects the pulp, craze lines are only a cosmetic concern and a vertical root fracture often has few symptoms until infection develops. Because the type decides the treatment, a dentist will examine the tooth, test it when you bite and may take X-rays.

Symptoms to watch for

Cleveland Clinic lists sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature or sweets, swelling around the tooth and toothache when chewing, and says some cracked teeth cause no symptoms. The AAE says pain may come and go, which can make the tooth hard to locate, and may eventually occur even without chewing or temperature changes. Untreated cracks can lead to an abscess, with persistent tooth pain, fever, swollen gums, swollen lymph nodes and bad breath.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask how deep the damage is.

• Is the chip or crack into the pulp?
• What treatment do you recommend, and why?
• Can the tooth be saved long term?
• What should I do about pain or sharp edges?
• What signs mean I should come back sooner?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions