Patients & dentists
Cracked tooth assessment
A structured look at suspected cracks, using transillumination, dye, bite testing, and imaging, before deciding what is salvageable.
Cracks in teeth behave differently depending on where they sit, how deep they go, and how much tooth is left around them. The first job is to find the crack, then to estimate its prognosis honestly.
I use focused light, methylene blue, removal of suspect restorations, and sometimes CBCT to characterise the crack. The plan is shaped by restorability, periodontal findings, and how stable the tooth has been.
What happens
- Transillumination and dye-based crack identification under magnification.
- Bite test and selective load testing of suspect cusps.
- Targeted imaging where it adds clinical value.
- Honest discussion of the crack's likely position and the range of outcomes.
When to consider
- Sharp, brief pain on biting that is hard to reproduce.
- A tooth with a heavy filling and intermittent symptoms.
- Discomfort after a recent restoration that does not settle.
- Suspicion of a fractured cusp or vertical root fracture.
Cracks rarely give a clean answer. I share the uncertainty openly, including when the most caring option is not to start root canal treatment.
The information here is general dental education, not a personal clinical diagnosis. Individual outcomes vary and depend on factors specific to your tooth and your overall health.
Common questions
Questions about this treatment
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
Common signs include sharp pain on biting or releasing, sensitivity to cold that lingers, or pain that is hard to locate. Cracks are often invisible on X-ray; diagnosis involves careful testing and sometimes transillumination or cone-beam CT.
Can a cracked tooth always be saved?
Not always. The decision depends on how far the crack extends and whether the nerve is involved. We give an honest prognosis before recommending any treatment.