How Long Can You Wait to Fix a Cracked Tooth?
Quick answer: How long can you wait to fix a cracked tooth?
You should not plan to wait on a cracked tooth. A crack does not heal on its own, and it can grow over time. See a dentist as soon as you can, because earlier treatment tends to give better results. Call right away if you have swelling, fever, or pain that keeps getting worse.
A cracked tooth does not heal the way a broken bone does.
Waiting can let a crack spread or let bacteria reach the inside of the tooth.
Rinse with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of your face while you wait.
Swelling, fever, or a bad taste can point to infection, so call the office. Trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that spreads across your face or neck, means the ER or 911.
You bit down, felt something give, and now you are wondering if you can put off the dentist for a while. It is a fair question, and the honest answer is that sooner is safer. This guide explains why, what you can do in the meantime, and which signs mean you should call right away. It comes from Smyrna Dental Studio in Smyrna, GA.
How long can you wait to fix a cracked tooth?
You should not plan to wait. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site says to see your dentist as soon as possible after a cracked tooth. The American Association of Endodontists adds that the sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the better the outcome tends to be.
Why time matters
Cracks can get deeper with everyday chewing. The American Association of Endodontists says cracks that go untreated can keep getting worse and may eventually lead to losing the tooth. Some cracks also reach below the gum line, and in that case the tooth may not be savable.
What "as soon as possible" can look like
If the crack is small and you feel little, you still want an exam soon, because you cannot tell by looking how deep it goes. If you have strong pain, swelling, or a broken piece, call right away. Our emergency dentist page explains how urgent visits work.
Is it okay to leave a cracked tooth?
No, it is not a good idea to leave a cracked tooth alone. Cleveland Clinic says that without treatment, bacteria can lead to a tooth abscess, which may spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissue. Getting it looked at early gives you more options.
Craze lines are different
Not every line on a tooth is a problem. Cleveland Clinic describes craze lines as small, very thin cracks in the enamel that do not hurt. Still, only a dentist can tell a harmless line from a crack that goes deeper, so it is worth having it checked.
What a dentist may do
Treatment depends on the type and depth of the crack. Cleveland Clinic lists options such as bonding, crowns, veneers, or, in some cases, removing the tooth and replacing it. Some cracks reach the inside of the tooth and need more involved care, and an exam shows whether that applies to you. A crown covers and supports a weakened tooth, and you can read about dental crowns in Smyrna to see how that works. For more on repair choices, see our guide to cracked tooth repair.
Want this checked? A short exam can show how deep a crack goes and what your options are. You can book online or call (770) 863-0005.
When should you call a dentist right away?
Call the office right away if a cracked tooth comes with signs that may point to infection or a serious problem. Cleveland Clinic lists bad breath, tooth pain that does not go away, fever, swollen gums and swollen lymph nodes as signs of infection after a crack.
Swelling in your gum, cheek, or jaw
Pain that is strong, constant, or getting worse
A bad taste or bad breath that will not go away
Fever along with tooth pain
A piece of the tooth has broken off, or the tooth feels loose
Bleeding that does not slow down
Call us at (770) 863-0005 and we will help find the earliest visit available. Go to the ER or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever with swelling, swelling that is spreading across your face or neck, bleeding that will not stop, or an injury to your face or jaw that may have broken a bone.
Can you heal cracks in your teeth?
No, a cracked tooth cannot heal by itself. Cleveland Clinic says a cracked tooth can't heal, though treatment might save the tooth. The American Association of Endodontists says that unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal.
Why enamel does not repair a crack
A broken bone can knit back together, but tooth structure does not regrow in the same way. That is why a dentist usually needs to cover, bond, or otherwise support the tooth to protect it.
What treatment can and cannot do
Treatment can help protect the tooth and let you keep chewing comfortably. The American Association of Endodontists notes that most treated cracked teeth keep working for years, but some cracks may continue to spread even after treatment. No dentist can promise a tooth will be saved.
What do you do if your tooth is cracked?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, put a cold compress on the outside of your face to help with swelling, and call your dentist as soon as possible. These are the steps the ADA's MouthHealthy site recommends for a cracked tooth.
Steps to take until your visit
Rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
Apply a cold compress to your cheek or lip on the outside.
Save any broken pieces and bring them along.
Call the office and describe what happened.
For pain relief, follow the product label and ask your pharmacist or doctor what is right for you. Our guide to broken tooth first aid has more detail.
If the office is closed
MouthHealthy says to visit your local emergency room if your dental office is not open. Cleveland Clinic notes that an ER can help with symptoms but does not do restorative work such as fillings or crowns, so plan a dental visit afterward. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever with swelling, or swelling that is spreading across your face or neck, go to the ER or call 911 without waiting for the office to open.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked tooth get worse if I wait?
Yes, it can. The American Association of Endodontists says a cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, and that extensive cracks can lead to infection of the pulp inside the tooth. Waiting may narrow your options, so an early exam is the safer choice.
Does a cracked tooth always hurt?
No. Some cracks cause pain when you bite or with hot and cold, and the pain can come and go. Craze lines often cause no pain at all. Because pain is not a reliable guide, a dentist needs to look at it.
Should I keep chewing on that side?
Ask the office before you keep chewing on that side. The American Association of Endodontists says chewing can move the pieces of a cracked tooth and irritate the pulp inside it. Until your exam, our team can tell you how to eat comfortably, so mention it when you call.
How long will a cracked tooth hurt before it becomes an emergency?
There is no set timeline, and a cracked tooth is worth having checked before it reaches that point. Swelling, fever, or worsening pain mean you should call the office right away. Trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever with swelling, or swelling that spreads across your face or neck means the ER or 911. To learn how nerve pain can progress, read how long a tooth can hurt before the nerve dies.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Sometimes, but it depends on how deep the crack goes. The American Association of Endodontists says a crack that extends below the gum line usually means the tooth cannot be saved. A dentist can tell you what is possible after an exam.
Book a visit for your cracked tooth
A cracked tooth will not fix itself, so the kindest thing you can do is get it looked at. Our team, including Dr. Raheel Thobhani, can examine the tooth and talk through your options. You can book an exam online or call (770) 863-0005, and we will help find the earliest visit available. We are serving Smyrna and nearby Vinings, Mableton, Marietta and Austell. If the crack is in a back tooth, our guide to handling a cracked molar emergency may help while you wait. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your situation.
