A cracked or fractured tooth may feel sharp or rough to your tongue. Parts of the tooth may be missing. After a tooth has fractured, it is possible it may be asymptomatic. Over time however, sharp pain on biting, food trapping in between the teeth, and lingering sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is likely to occur.

Tooth fractures can range from harmless craze lines (surface-level enamel cracks) and fractured cusps to serious cracked teeth, split teeth, and vertical root fractures that are not restorable.

Yes. Many fractures are microscopic or located beneath an existing filling or beneath the gum line. These may not always be visible without specialized dental tools or dental xrays.

Unfortunately, a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Unlike bones, tooth enamel cannot regenerate or repair itself. Without professional treatment, cracks usually worsen over time.

The crack can deepen into the root or allow bacteria to enter the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, leading to severe tooth decay, infection, and/or pain. If left untreated, the tooth may split further and would require an extraction.

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Treatment options can range between polishing rough edges and cosmetic bonding to placing a dental crown, performing, a root canal, or extracting the tooth if it is split below the gum line.

Avoid eating extremely hard, sticky, or chewy foods (like ice or hard candy) that can crack the teeth. When playing sports, wear a mouthguard to limit any damage to the teeth. If you clench and grind your teeth, wearing a nightguard appliance can help prevent fractures.