Cracked Tooth? What Now? Your Treatment Options Explained

First published: April 2025
Updated: Sept 2026

If you’ve bitten down and felt a sharp twinge, or a tooth has become sensitive when you chew, a crack may be the cause. The good news is that most cracked teeth can be treated. The right option depends on how deep the crack goes and where it is.

If you want to understand how cracks happen in the first place, read why teeth crack.

First step: working out how deep the crack goes

Not every crack needs treatment. Many fine crack lines in the enamel (sometimes called craze lines) are harmless and just need monitoring. Others go deeper into the tooth and need protecting before they spread.

At your appointment, we’ll examine the tooth, test how it responds to biting and temperature, and take x-rays if needed. Cracks don’t always show up on x-rays, so the examination and your symptoms matter just as much. Then we’ll talk you through your options, including the pros, cons and costs of each.

If you’re in pain now, see our emergency dentist page.

picture of tooth with crack in it

Treatment options, from simplest to most involved

1. Composite filling or bonding

Best for: small chips or cracks that only affect the outer layer of the tooth.

Tooth-coloured composite resin is bonded to the tooth and shaped to restore its form. It’s usually done in one visit.

  • Pros: quick, keeps most of your natural tooth, lower cost
  • Cons: less protection for deeper cracks, can stain or chip over time

before and after of small chips to front teeth

2. Onlay

Best for: cracks involving one or more of the tooth’s biting cusps, where a filling isn’t strong enough but a full crown isn’t needed.

An onlay is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects the weakened part of the tooth while keeping more healthy tooth structure than a crown. Read more in crown vs onlay: how we decide.

  • Pros: strong, conservative, protects the cusps from flexing
  • Cons: usually needs two visits, costs more than a filling

Dental crowns Brisbane CBD

3. Crown

Best for: larger cracks, or teeth that are already heavily filled.

A crown covers the whole biting surface of the tooth and holds it together, which reduces the risk of the crack spreading.

  • Pros: the most protection for a cracked tooth, restores function and appearance
  • Cons: removes more tooth structure, usually two visits, higher cost

4. Root canal treatment

Best for: cracks that have reached the nerve (the pulp) and caused inflammation or infection.

The damaged nerve is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A crown is usually needed afterwards to protect the tooth.

  • Pros: can allow you to keep the tooth
  • Cons: multiple visits, some tenderness afterwards, and the added cost of a crown

root canal brisbane cbd

5. Extraction and replacement

Best for: cracks that extend below the gum line or split the tooth, where it can’t be saved.

Once the tooth is removed, it can be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge.

  • Pros: removes the source of pain or infection, with long-lasting replacement options
  • Cons: involves surgery and healing time, and replacement adds cost

What about veneers?

Veneers can improve the appearance of small cracks or chips on front teeth, but they don’t protect a tooth with a structural crack. If a front tooth is cracked, we’ll check how deep it goes before discussing cosmetic options.

Brisbane City Dentists in consultation with dental patient

Why earlier is better

A crack doesn’t heal on its own, and it can spread over time. Picked up early, it can often be managed with a filling or onlay. Left longer, it’s more likely to need a crown or root canal treatment. If a tooth is sore when you bite or sensitive to cold, it’s worth getting it checked sooner rather than later.

Reducing the risk of cracks

  • Avoid chewing hard things like ice, hard lollies or pens.
  • Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
  • Protect against grinding. Grinding is one of the most common reasons we see cracked teeth. A custom night splint takes the load off your teeth. If you’re also getting jaw pain, read about our treatment for jaw clenching and grinding.
  • Keep up your regular check-ups, so we can spot crack lines before they cause problems.

Think you have a cracked tooth?

Book an appointment with our Brisbane CBD dentists, or call us on (07) 3211 1155.

If you would like to read further.