Cracked Tooth in Omaha, NE
Fast diagnosis and stabilization to relieve pain and protect your tooth.
Craze lines
Shallow, hairline surface cracks. Usually harmless and cosmetic only.
What Is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth happens when the enamel and underlying tooth structure split due to biting on hard objects, trauma, clenching or grinding, or normal wear over time. Pain often comes and goes: it may be sharp when you bite or release pressure, or with hot and cold. Without treatment, the crack can deepen, irritate the nerve (pulp), and lead to infection.
Common Signs You May Have a Cracked Tooth
- Sharp pain when biting, especially on release.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets.
- Pain that’s hard to pinpoint to one tooth.
- Intermittent discomfort that worsens with chewing.
If you suspect a cracked tooth, contact Northwest Dental right away. We diagnose and stabilize cracks to relieve pain and protect your tooth. Call us during business hours (Mon–Thurs, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM). If it’s after hours, book an appointment online and we’ll see you as soon as possible.
Types of Cracks and What They Mean
How We Treat a Cracked Tooth
What to Do Now
If you suspect a crack:
- Avoid chewing on that side and skip hard or sticky foods.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and use a cold compress for swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Call us for an evaluation; prompt care improves the chance of saving the tooth.
Insurance and Financing
Getting care should be straightforward and affordable. Northwest Dental accepts various insurance plans and provides a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before treatment.
If you do not have insurance or want to manage out-of-pocket costs, explore flexible financing options and our in-house Dental Savings Plan.
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a cracked tooth hurt more when I bite or release?
Biting can flex the cracked pieces, irritating the nerve. When you release, the pieces move back, which can trigger sharp pain. Stabilizing the tooth with a crown often relieves this.
Will a cracked tooth always need a root canal?
Not always. If the nerve is inflamed or infected, root canal therapy is recommended. If the crack is shallow and the pulp is healthy, a crown alone may be enough.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Enamel and dentin do not heal like bone. The goal is to stabilize the tooth, protect the nerve, and prevent the crack from propagating.
How do you know if a cracked tooth can be saved?
We look at crack depth, direction, and whether it extends below the gum or into the root. Cracks confined above the gum are often treatable with a crown (and sometimes a root canal). Vertical root fractures typically require extraction.
What happens if I wait?
Cracks can deepen, pain usually worsens, and infection may develop, which reduces the chance of saving the tooth and can lead to more extensive treatment.
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