Emergencies

What should I do if I crack a tooth?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: Rinse your mouth with warm water, put a cold compress on your face if there's swelling, and see your dentist as soon as possible. A crack won't heal on its own. The AAE says the sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the better the outcome. Severe pain, facial swelling or fever needs prompt care.

First aid

The ADA advises the following for a cracked tooth:

  • Rinse the mouth right away with warm water to clean the area.
  • Put cold compresses on the face to keep swelling down.
  • See your dentist as soon as possible.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) adds: if breathing through your mouth or drinking cold liquids hurts, bite on clean, moist gauze until you reach the dentist. Don't put aspirin or pain-relief gels or ointments on the area.

Signs of a crack

The AAE says cracked teeth can cause:

  • Pain that comes and goes when chewing, especially when you release the bite
  • Pain with very hot or cold temperatures

Your dentist may have trouble finding which tooth it is at first.

Treatment depends on the crack

  • Craze lines. Tiny surface lines that are common and usually need no treatment.
  • Fractured cusp. A broken piece of chewing surface, often fixed with a filling or crown.
  • Cracked tooth. May need a root canal and a crown if the crack reaches the pulp.
  • Split tooth or crack below the gum. May mean all or part of the tooth can't be saved.

The AAE notes that unlike a broken bone, a crack in a tooth won't heal. Even with treatment, some cracks continue to spread.

At Indy Smile Group

All three offices do crowns, root canals and extractions in-house. Call the office closest to you during office hours if you think you've cracked a tooth. See our emergency dentist pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Call your nearest office during office hours. If an office is closed and you have any warning sign below, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. The AAE says a crack in a tooth won't heal like a broken bone, so early treatment matters.

Will I need a root canal?
Only if the crack reaches the pulp inside. Many cracks are treated with a filling or crown.

How can I prevent cracked teeth?
The AAE suggests not chewing ice, popcorn kernels or pens, and wearing a mouthguard for sports or a night guard if you grind.

Sources

  1. American Association of Endodontists – Cracked Teeth
  2. ADA MouthHealthy – Dental Emergencies (Q&A)
  3. ADA MouthHealthy – Crowns

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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