Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Treatment & Fast Pain Relief in London
A cracked tooth can start as something small—a slight discomfort when biting, a sharp twinge when drinking cold drinks—but it can quickly turn into severe pain if left untreated.
The tricky part is that tooth cracks aren’t always visible, but the pain is real.
At Pearl Dental Clinic, we see this all the time—and the priority is always the same:
👉 diagnose the tooth crack properly, relieve your pain, and prevent it getting worse.
⚠️ Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?
You might not be able to see a tooth crack, but your tooth will usually tell you something isn’t right.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Pain that comes and goes
- Sensitivity to cold (sometimes heat)
- Pain when releasing your bite (a key sign)
- Swelling or discomfort around the tooth
👉 If you’re noticing these, it’s worth seeing us for a dental checkup.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Teeth are strong—but they’re not indestructible.
Cracks can happen due to:
- Biting on something hard (ice, bones, hard sweets)
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often at night)
- Large fillings weakening the tooth structure
- Trauma or accidents
Sometimes, it’s not one event—it’s gradual stress over time process.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
A cracked tooth won’t heal on its own.
If left untreated, the crack can:
- Deepen and propagate over time
- Reach the nerve of the tooth and cause nerve inflammation
- Lead to infection or abscess
- Result in tooth loss
👉 The earlier it’s treated, the simpler (and more affordable) it usually is.
How We Diagnose a Cracked Tooth
Cracks can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so we use a combination of:
- Clinical examination
- Bite tests with tools such as tooth sleuth
- Temperature sensitivity tests
- X-rays and CBCT 3D X-ray for more precise diagnosis of tooth root cracks
- Transillumination with a special light
- Careful symptom analysis
At Pearl Dental Clinic, we focus on pinpointing the exact cause of your pain, not just guessing.
Treatment Options for a Cracked Tooth
The right treatment depends on how deep the crack is.
1. Minor Crack (Surface Level)
- Polishing or smoothing the tooth
- Monitoring
👉 Often no major treatment needed.
2. Moderate Crack
- Composite bonding to restore tooth structure
- Or a tooth onlay or crown to protect the tooth
👉 A tooth onlay or crown is often the best long-term solution to prevent further splitting. We provide same-day tooth onlays & crowns to prevent further tooth fracture.
3. Deep Crack (Into the Nerve)
- Root canal treatment may be needed
- Followed by a crown
👉 This removes pain and saves the tooth where possible.
4. Severe Crack (Split Tooth)
- Tooth extraction may be required
👉 If the tooth can’t be saved, we’ll guide you through replacement options such as dental implants.
Will cracked tooth treatment hurt?
If you’re already in pain, that’s usually from the crack affecting the inner part of the tooth.
👉 The treatment itself is designed to relieve pain—not cause it.
We use:
- Effective local anaesthetic
- Gentle techniques such as painless dental injection system
- Clear communication throughout
Most patients feel relief very quickly after treatment.
How Quickly Should You Be Seen?
👉 If you suspect a cracked tooth, it’s best to be seen as soon as possible.
Especially if:
- The pain is worsening
- You’re avoiding chewing on one side
- The pain is affecting sleep
Delaying treatment often means:
- More complex procedures
- Higher costs
- Increased discomfort
Emergency Appointments Available
At Pearl Dental Clinic, we offer:
- Same-day emergency appointments
- Fast diagnosis and pain relief
- The clinic is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Experienced dentists in urgent care
👉 If you’re in pain, our goal is simple: get you comfortable quickly.
How Much Does Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost?
Costs depend on the severity and treatment required:
- Emergency consultation: £59
- X-rays: £20-£70
- Treatment: varies (bonding, crown, or root canal)
👉 You’ll always receive a clear explanation and cost before treatment begins. Our full dental fee guide is published online.
What Happens If You Leave It?
This is where most people regret waiting.
A small crack can turn into:
- A major tooth or root fracture and the tooth may then need to be extracted
- Nerve infection
- Tooth loss
👉 Acting early gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.
Book an Appointment Today
If something doesn’t feel right when you bite or chew, trust that instinct.
- Quick diagnosis
- Honest advice
- Gentle, effective treatment
👉 Book your appointment at Pearl Dental Clinic by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or book an appointment online today and get clarity—and relief.