Types of Tooth Fractures and Their Prognosis

Tooth fractures don’t always feel like a big deal—until they suddenly are. Some cracks are shallow and harmless, while others go deep enough to risk the entire tooth. If you’re wondering, can a fractured tooth be saved? The answer depends heavily on the type of break and how soon you seek care.

Here are the most common types of tooth fractures:

1. Craze Lines

• Superficial cracks on the enamel
• Don’t cause pain or damage
• No treatment typically needed

2. Fractured Cusp

• Break in the chewing surface, often near a filling
• May cause minor pain or sensitivity
• Usually treated with a crown

3. Cracked Tooth (Extending Vertically)

• Starts at the chewing surface and moves toward the root
• May cause pain when chewing or temperature sensitivity
• Prognosis depends on depth—early treatment is key

4. Split Tooth

• A deep crack that divides the tooth into segments
• Often requires extraction, but parts may be saved with immediate care

5. Vertical Root Fracture

• Begins in the root and moves upward
• Typically hidden until infection sets in
• Hard to save, often needs extraction

Knowing the type of fracture helps you act fast—and possibly keep your tooth.

Signs a Fractured Tooth Can Be Saved

Not all fractures are fatal for your tooth. Many can be repaired if caught early. Here are signs that your tooth still has a fighting chance:

Tooth Pain Comes and Goes

If the pain isn’t constant, the nerve might not be exposed. That’s a good sign that treatment can work.

Sensitivity but No Swelling

Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweet foods can signal a surface-level crack—often treatable with a filling or crown.

Visible Crack But Tooth Is Stable

If the tooth doesn’t move when you bite down, it may not be split. Your dentist can often preserve it with bonding or a crown.

No Infection

A lack of swelling, pus, or foul taste suggests that the root may still be healthy—meaning your tooth is savable.

Be on the lookout for these warning signs too:

• Pain when chewing
• Gum tenderness
• Pressure sensitivity
• A sharp edge you feel with your tongue

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. A quick visit to a ‘dentist near me’ can be the difference between protecting your tooth and losing it.

Treatment Options to Save a Fractured Tooth

So, what happens next if your tooth is fractured? The treatment will mostly depend on how deep the damage goes, but most cases have solutions—especially when handled early.

1. Dental Bonding

Best for minor surface cracks or chips.

• Quick and painless
• Resin matched to your natural tooth color
• Often completed in one visit

2. Dental Crowns

If more of your tooth is affected—like with a fractured cusp—a crown can cover and protect it from further harm.

• Preserves your natural tooth structure
• Restores function and appearance
• Durable and long-lasting

If you’re looking for dental crowns in Irving, TX, it’s important to choose a dentist who customizes the fit and bite. A crown that’s too high or loose can make things worse, not better.

3. Root Canal Therapy

If the fracture reaches the pulp (the tooth’s inner nerve), a root canal may be needed.

• Removes infected tissue
• Seals the tooth from future damage
• Usually followed by a crown for extra strength

It might sound intense, but root canals are a common and effective fix.

4. Splinting

For a loose but intact tooth, dentists may use splints to stabilize it.

• Temporarily bonds the tooth to neighboring teeth
• Helps healing and reconnecting with the bone
• Often used alongside other treatments

5. Extraction + Tooth Replacement

In severe cases—like a split tooth or vertical root fracture—saving the tooth may not be possible. But all hope isn’t lost.

Replacement options include:

• Dental implants
• Bridges
• Partial dentures

Losing a tooth isn’t ideal, but modern replacements look and feel very natural. And they prevent shifting, bone loss, and other issues that can follow an extraction.

Tips to Protect a Repaired or Vulnerable Tooth

Once you’ve repaired a fracture, the goal is to avoid future ones. Here’s how:

Do:

• Wear a nightguard in case you grind your teeth
• Avoid chewing ice or hard candies
• Brush and floss gently but thoroughly
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups

Don’t:

• Use your teeth as tools (tearing packages, etc.)
• Delay treatment if pain or cracks appear
• Ignore sensitivity—it could mean a problem is starting

Fractured teeth don’t heal on their own, but they can be saved if you act in time.

Final Words

So, can a fractured tooth be saved? In many cases—yes! But time is everything. The sooner you get to a professional, the more options you have.

At Doc’s Dental Implants and Crowns – Irving, we offer personalized treatment plans to help you restore your smile, whether it’s a simple crack or a deeper fracture. From crowns to root canals to implants, we make sure your solution is strong, natural-looking, and built to last.

If you’re unsure about your tooth’s condition, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your smile. Your tooth might be more savable than you think!