Have a Cracked Tooth? Here’s What Dentists Do | SAVE THE TOOTH SERIES

Dr Bernard Siew explains how to manage a cracked tooth, from minor chips to deeper fractures. Learn what symptoms to watch for, when to seek urgent care, and how bonding, crowns, and root canal treatment can help save the tooth.

About The Video

Dr Bernard from Dental Designs Clinic in Singapore explains how teeth crack, how to gauge severity at home, and what dentists can do to prevent further damage.

He starts with a simple self-check: pain level matters. If there is no pain, it may be a minor chip limited to enamel. As cracks become more severe, symptoms can include a sharp “zing” or electric-shock sensation when biting on something hard. The most severe scenario is a tooth that splits in half, which cannot be saved.

For minor chips, he explains that you may leave it alone if it is not bothering you, or visit a dentist for smoothing or composite resin bonding. For larger chips, a ceramic dental crown may be used. For deeper cracks, he stresses urgent attention to prevent the tooth splitting.

A crown can protect the tooth from breaking further, but it may not prevent nerve pain if the crack is deep. If nerve pain persists, root canal treatment may be indicated.

Cracked teeth exist on a spectrum, and early action can help prevent a manageable crack from turning into a major fracture. Dr Bernard suggests starting with symptoms: a painless chip is often limited to enamel, while pain or an electric “zing” on biting can signal a deeper crack that needs quick assessment. Treatment depends on severity. Small chips may be left alone, smoothed, or repaired with composite resin bonding; some cases may use a ceramic dental crown for added protection.

When a crack is deeper, a crown can protect the tooth by holding it together and reducing the risk of it splitting. However, a crown does not always protect the nerve. If pain continues, root canal treatment may be required. It is important to seek urgent care when symptoms start.