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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Cracked and Broken Tooth Repair in Selkirk
Sharp pain when biting or a tooth that feels split? Selkirk patients can learn how cracked teeth are diagnosed and repaired at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsCracks can be hard to see
Pain on biting is a signal worth investigating.
Cracked teeth do not always look broken. A fine line in enamel may cause no trouble, while a deeper crack can produce sharp, brief pain when you bite or release, or sensitivity to cold. Broken cusps and split fillings are more obvious. Each needs a different level of care, so an accurate diagnosis comes first.
Selkirk patients noticing pain on chewing or a piece of tooth missing can contact our Port Dover office for an assessment. The dentist will examine the tooth, explain what type of crack or break is present and outline treatment choices that aim to protect the tooth from further damage.
Types of damage
Not every crack behaves the same way.
Surface lines and fractured cusps
Craze lines are tiny surface cracks in enamel that are common in adult teeth and often need no treatment. A fractured cusp occurs when part of the chewing surface breaks, frequently around a large filling. It may be sore or simply rough. Repairs for these situations can be relatively straightforward, depending on the amount of tooth remaining.
Deeper cracks and split teeth
A cracked tooth with a crack extending toward the root may cause intermittent pain and can worsen over time. A split tooth has separated into parts and may not be savable in its entirety. Vertical root fractures start in the root and are often harder to detect. The dentist will explain which situation applies and what that means.
Diagnosis
Your description is a key part of the diagnosis.
Describing your symptoms
Note whether pain happens when biting down, when releasing, with certain foods or with cold. Mention whether you can point to one tooth or only to an area. Grinding, clenching, chewing ice or a recent hard bite on something unexpected are all useful details. Symptoms that come and go are common with cracks and still worth reporting.
Tests the dentist may use
The dentist may examine the tooth with magnification, use a bite test on individual cusps, apply cold, or shine a light through the tooth to reveal lines. X-rays help check surrounding bone and existing fillings, though cracks are not always visible on them. Sometimes the extent of a crack only becomes clear once an old filling is removed.
Treatment
The aim is to stop the crack from spreading.
Protecting the tooth structure
Small cracks or broken cusps may be repaired with a filling or bonding. When a crack weakens the tooth significantly, a crown or onlay may be recommended to hold it together and spread biting forces. The dentist will explain why one option is preferred over another for the specific tooth and what each requires in terms of visits.
When the nerve is involved
If the crack reaches the pulp, the tooth may become persistently painful or infected, and root canal treatment may be needed before it is restored. In some cases, such as a split extending below the gum, the tooth cannot be saved, and extraction and replacement options are discussed. Early assessment can sometimes prevent this outcome.
Preventing recurrence
Protecting teeth reduces the chance of new cracks.
Changing habits that strain teeth
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and using teeth as tools. If you grind or clench, a night guard may help protect your teeth and restorations. Be careful with very hard foods on recently repaired teeth. Ask the dentist whether any other teeth show signs of stress that might benefit from attention before they crack.
Monitoring repaired teeth
Repaired teeth should be checked at regular appointments. Report any return of biting pain, sensitivity or swelling, as these may mean the crack has progressed or the nerve is affected. Monitoring over time helps catch changes early, and the dentist can adjust the plan if the tooth begins to behave differently from expected.
Planning your appointment
If a tooth cracks while you are in Selkirk.
Call our Port Dover office and describe the pain and when it happens. The team can discuss how soon you should be seen. Avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth is examined.
Mention any grinding habits, recent dental work on that tooth and whether you have any swelling or a bad taste in the mouth.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Cracked tooth questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Why does my tooth hurt only when I bite?
Pain on biting or releasing can be a sign of a crack, as pressure briefly opens it. Other causes are possible too. The dentist can test individual cusps and examine the tooth to identify where the problem is.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, cracks in teeth do not heal. Some surface lines are harmless, but deeper cracks can progress. Treatment aims to protect the tooth and reduce the chance of the crack spreading further.
Will I need a crown for a cracked tooth?
Often a crown or onlay is recommended to hold a cracked tooth together, but smaller cracks may be managed with a filling or bonding. The dentist will explain the reasoning based on the crack’s location and depth.
Do cracked teeth always need a root canal?
No. A root canal is considered when the crack affects the nerve, causing persistent pain or infection. Many cracked teeth are restored without one. The dentist will assess the nerve’s condition before recommending treatment.
Can grinding cause teeth to crack?
Grinding and clenching place heavy forces on teeth and may contribute to cracks, especially in teeth with large fillings. A night guard can help protect teeth. Mention grinding habits so the dentist can consider them in your plan.
Restorations that protect damaged teeth
General Dentistry →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a damaged or heavily filled tooth to protect it. Selkirk patients can learn when crowns are advised and how they are made in Port Dover.
Broken or Chipped Tooth Repair →
Chipped a tooth on something hard? Learn how Selkirk patients can protect the tooth, describe the damage and arrange assessment at our Port Dover office.