Cracked tooth symptoms

A crack may be small, hidden under a filling or only painful when pressure is applied. Dental assessment may include bite tests, magnification, X-rays or restoration checks.

• Biting hard foods or objects.
• Large fillings, weakened tooth structure or tooth wear.
• Grinding, clenching or trauma.
• A restoration, crown or filling problem that feels similar.

• Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side.
• Keep the area clean and note what triggers symptoms.
• Arrange dental assessment if pain returns or sensitivity persists.

• Do not keep testing the tooth by biting hard objects.
• Do not ignore a crack-like symptom because the tooth looks normal.
• Do not attempt home repair of a cracked or sharp tooth.

• Pain happens on biting or releasing the bite.
• Sensitivity or intermittent pain keeps returning.
• A tooth, filling or crown feels sharp, cracked or changed.

• Pain is severe, worsening or linked with swelling.
• There is trauma, a broken tooth, fever or a bad taste.
• The tooth becomes loose or chewing becomes difficult.

• Assess the tooth, bite, restorations and gum tissues.
• Use tests or X-rays where clinically appropriate.
• Discuss monitoring, repair, protection, referral or treatment depending on the assessment.