What do I do in a dental emergency?

You can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to help with the pain. Icing the affected area can also help with discomfort. If you’re bleeding, absorb the blood with clean gauze, paper towels, or cotton balls. Once it’s time for your appointment, come into our office ASAP for treatment.

What should I do if I've knocked out a tooth?

Recover the tooth. Grab it by the top (crown) to avoid damaging the root. Put it into a container of cold milk to keep it moist.

What should I do about a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?

Give us a call right away for a same-day appointment. Chipped, cracked, and broken teeth are highly vulnerable to infection, so you need to have your tooth repaired as soon as possible.

Cracked Tooth Treatment

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‍(512) 961-6200

Not Every Crack Looks The Same

A cracked tooth can range from a fine hairline crack you can barely see to a deep fracture that runs toward the root. Some cracks cause sharp pain only when you bite down; others cause no pain at all until they've progressed. Because cracks vary so much, treatment depends entirely on how deep the crack runs and whether it's reached the nerve.

At Emergency Dentist of Austin, we examine the tooth closely, determine exactly what type of crack you're dealing with, and recommend the treatment that gives your tooth the best chance of being saved.

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Types Of Cracks We Treat

Craze lines (minor surface cracks in enamel)

Fractured cusp (a piece of the chewing surface breaks off)

Cracked tooth syndrome (a crack that extends toward the root)

Split tooth (a crack that separates the tooth into segments)

Vertical root fracture (a crack starting below the gumline)

How We Treat A Cracked Tooth

Prompt Appointments For Cracked Teeth

Same-Day Visits

A cracked tooth can worsen quickly, especially if you keep biting down on it. We prioritize same-day appointments to assess and stabilize the tooth.

Evening Appointments

If you crack a tooth after work, we offer late-hour appointments so you're not stuck waiting overnight in discomfort.

Weekend Appointments

Cracks don't wait for a weekday. We keep weekend appointments available for patients who need urgent evaluation.

Why A Cracked Tooth Shouldn't Wait

1

Cracks Don't Heal — They Spread

Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth won't heal itself, and normal chewing pressure can cause the crack to extend deeper over time.

2

Earlier Treatment Means More Options

A minor crack caught early might only need bonding. Left alone, that same crack can progress to the point where a root canal or extraction becomes necessary.

3

Protect Against Infection

Once a crack reaches the inner tooth, bacteria can get in and cause an infection. Treating the crack early helps prevent that.

4

Save The Tooth Whenever Possible

Prompt treatment gives us the best chance of preserving your natural tooth instead of needing to replace it later.

Care You Can Count On

Areas We Serve

Our cracked tooth treatment is available to patients throughout Austin, TX and the surrounding areas, including:

Austin

Round Rock

Cedar Park

Georgetown

Kyle

Leander

Elgin

Liberty Hill

Buda

Lakeway

West Lake Hills

Hutto

Manor

Bee Cave

Dripping Springs

Del Valle

Cracked Tooth Questions, Answered

Got questions about cracked tooth repair? Get all the answers you need below.

How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Cracked?

Common signs include pain when biting down or releasing pressure, sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes, and occasional discomfort that's hard to pinpoint to one tooth. Some cracks are visible; many aren't, which is why an exam is the only reliable way to confirm one.

Is A Cracked Tooth An Emergency?

It depends on the severity, but it's always worth having checked promptly. A crack that's causing pain, or one you suspect is deep, should be evaluated right away to prevent it from worsening.

Can A Cracked Tooth Be Saved?

In many cases, yes — especially if it's caught early. The type and depth of the crack determines whether bonding, a crown, or a root canal gives the tooth the best chance of survival.

What Happens If A Cracked Tooth Is Left Untreated?

The crack can extend deeper, eventually reaching the nerve or splitting the tooth entirely. At that point, extraction often becomes the only option, whereas earlier treatment may have saved the tooth.

How Much Does Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost?

Cost depends on the type of crack and treatment needed — bonding is the most affordable option, while a root canal or extraction costs more. We offer a guaranteed payment plan to help make treatment accessible.

Can I Keep Eating Normally With A Cracked Tooth?

It's best to avoid chewing on the affected side until it's been evaluated. Continued pressure on a cracked tooth can cause the crack to worsen before you're able to get treatment.