Cracked Tooth Treatment in Markham, ON

Cracked tooth treatment at My Dental Home in Markham is a restorative procedure that repairs teeth damaged by fractures, preventing further breakage and relieving sensitivity. At our Markham dental office, Dr. Kevin F. Brown and Dr. Bahar Kermani diagnose the type and extent of each crack to determine whether a crown, bonding, root canal, or extraction is the right course of action for your tooth.

On This Page

• What Is a Cracked Tooth?
• Your Cracked Tooth Treatment Team
• What to Expect During Cracked Tooth Treatment
• Benefits of Treating a Cracked Tooth Early
• Why Choose My Dental Home for Cracked Tooth Treatment?
• Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost and Financing
• Schedule Your Cracked Tooth Consultation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Cracked Tooth?

At My Dental Home, a cracked tooth refers to any tooth with a fracture line running through part or all of its structure. Cracks range from superficial surface lines to deep splits that reach below the gumline, and they can develop from biting into something hard, clenching or grinding, a sudden impact, or gradual weakening of a tooth that has a large existing filling. Not every crack causes symptoms right away, which is why some patients discover them only during a routine dental examination.
 

Types of Tooth Cracks

The treatment we recommend depends on which type of crack you have:

• Craze lines — Tiny, shallow lines in the outer enamel. These are common in adult teeth and usually don’t require treatment unless they cause cosmetic concerns.
• Fractured cusp — A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often around an existing filling. This type rarely affects the nerve and is typically repaired with a dental crown.
• Cracked tooth — A fracture runs from the chewing surface down toward the root but hasn’t separated the tooth into pieces. Depending on how deep it extends, we may treat this with a crown, a root canal followed by a crown, or both.
• Split tooth — The crack has progressed far enough that the tooth separates into distinct segments. In most cases, the full tooth cannot be saved, though we can sometimes preserve a portion of it.
• Vertical root fracture — A crack that starts at the root and moves upward. These fractures are often found in teeth that have already had root canal treatment and typically require extraction.

How Do You Know If You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Common signs include:

• Sharp or intermittent discomfort when chewing, especially when releasing the bite
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Discomfort that comes and goes rather than staying constant
• Swelling around the affected tooth
• A visible line or chip on the tooth surface

Some cracks produce no symptoms at all and are only detected through clinical or X-ray examination. If you notice any of the signs above, prompt evaluation at our Markham office reduces the risk of the crack spreading further.
 

Your Cracked Tooth Treatment Team

Dr. Kevin F. Brown and Dr. Bahar Kermani provide cracked tooth treatment at My Dental Home. We evaluate each crack individually because the treatment that works for a shallow craze line is completely different from the treatment needed for a fracture extending toward the root. Our approach starts with a thorough assessment so you understand the extent of the damage before any treatment begins.

We also offer same-day CEREC crowns for qualifying cases, which means certain cracked teeth can be diagnosed and restored in a single appointment rather than requiring a temporary crown and a return visit. Learn more about Dr. Brown and Dr. Kermani on our dentist pages.
 

What to Expect During Cracked Tooth Treatment

The treatment process at My Dental Home depends on the severity and location of your fracture, but the general sequence follows these steps:

1. Evaluation and imaging — We examine the tooth visually and may use magnification, bite tests, or X-rays to identify the fracture. You’ll see what we find and we’ll explain where the crack runs and how deep it extends.
2. Treatment recommendation — Based on the diagnosis, we present your options. A shallow crack may only need dental bonding or a filling. A deeper crack usually calls for a crown, sometimes preceded by root canal treatment. If the tooth can’t be restored, we discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge.
3. Numbing the area — Before starting any restorative work, we apply local anesthesia so the tooth and surrounding tissue are fully numb. If you prefer additional relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide sedation.
4. Restoring the tooth — For a crown, we prepare the tooth by reshaping its outer layer to make room for the restoration. We take impressions or digital scans, then either fabricate the crown in-office with CEREC technology or send the case to a dental lab. For bonding, we apply composite resin directly to the crack and shape it to match your tooth.
5. Follow-up — After we place the restoration, we check your bite to confirm proper alignment and provide care instructions to protect the repaired tooth.

If your cracked tooth is causing significant discomfort or if the crack happened suddenly, contact our office right away. We provide emergency dental care and work to see urgent cases as quickly as possible.
 

Benefits of Treating a Cracked Tooth Early

We recommend addressing cracked teeth promptly at My Dental Home because cracks typically worsen over time. A crack that could be treated with a crown today may require extraction and replacement in a few months if left untreated.

• Preserves the natural tooth — A restored crack keeps your original tooth root in place, which maintains bone density in your jaw and avoids the need for an implant or bridge.
• Stops the spread of the fracture — A crown or bonding holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from extending deeper toward the nerve or root.
• Reduces sensitivity — Once the crack is sealed, temperature and pressure sensitivity typically resolves because the nerve is no longer exposed to irritants.
• Prevents infection — Untreated cracks allow bacteria to reach the inner pulp of the tooth, which can lead to infection, abscess, and the need for root canal treatment or extraction.
• Reduces overall treatment cost — A crown placed now is a simpler, less expensive restoration than an extraction followed by an implant or bridge later.

The Canadian Dental Association notes that early intervention for dental fractures generally leads to better long-term outcomes and helps patients retain their natural teeth longer.
 

Why Choose My Dental Home for Cracked Tooth Treatment?

At My Dental Home, we treat cracked teeth with the same attentiveness whether you are an existing patient or calling for the first time. A few things that set our Markham dental office apart for cracked tooth care:

We offer same-day CEREC crowns for qualifying cases, so certain cracked teeth can be diagnosed and permanently restored in a single visit rather than requiring a temporary crown and a second appointment. We also provide emergency dental services and work to fit patients with urgent fractures in promptly, because we know waiting days with a worsening crack is not realistic. Our hours extend to 8:00 PM Monday through Wednesday, which helps if your tooth cracks after regular business hours at other offices.

Our team speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Urdu, and Hindi in addition to English, so you can describe your symptoms and understand your treatment plan in the language you are most comfortable with. We also provide clear, upfront pricing and walk you through the cost before treatment begins, because managing an unexpected dental expense is stressful enough on its own.

Cracked Tooth Treatment Cost and Financing

Cracked tooth treatment cost at My Dental Home depends on the specifics of your case. The main cost drivers are:

• Whether the tooth requires bonding, a filling, a crown, a root canal, or an extraction
• The type of restoration needed afterward (CEREC same-day crown vs. lab-fabricated crown)
• Whether replacement is needed if the tooth cannot be saved (implant or bridge planning)
• Sedation, if requested beyond local anesthesia

We provide a written treatment plan with costs outlined before we begin treatment. Our Markham office offers in-office payment options and financing solutions to help manage the expense, and we provide insurance assistance so you can understand your coverage before committing to a plan.

Schedule Your Cracked Tooth Consultation

If you are dealing with sensitivity when chewing, intermittent discomfort, or a visible crack in a tooth, do not wait for it to get worse. My Dental Home is located at 5011 HWY #7 East, Markham, ON L3R 1N1, and our team is available for urgent dental needs.

Call (905) 415-7700 to book or text (306) 993-7242 if you prefer. You can also request an appointment online. At your first visit, we examine the crack, take imaging if needed, and walk you through exactly what needs to happen. We send you home with a clear plan and a firm cost estimate before you commit to treatment.

Office hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel and dentin do not regenerate or repair themselves. A crack will remain and typically worsens under normal chewing forces. Even if symptoms seem to come and go, the structural damage is permanent until it’s treated. The only effective approach is professional restoration to hold the tooth together and protect the inner layers.

Is a cracked tooth considered a dental emergency?

It depends on the severity. A small craze line that causes no symptoms can usually wait for a regular appointment. A crack that causes sharp or persistent discomfort, sensitivity to temperature, or visible swelling should be seen urgently. If a piece of the tooth has broken off or you’re in significant discomfort, call our emergency dental line to be seen as soon as possible.

What causes teeth to crack?

Cracks develop from a combination of mechanical stress and structural vulnerability. Biting into hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candy is a common trigger. Teeth with large existing fillings are also more prone to fracture because the filling reduces the remaining natural structure. Grinding or clenching, sudden temperature changes in the mouth, and trauma from a fall or sports injury are other frequent causes. Wearing a mouth guard during sports can reduce the risk of impact-related cracks.

Will I need a root canal for a cracked tooth?

Not always. If the crack is limited to the outer enamel or the cusp of the tooth and hasn’t reached the pulp (the nerve and blood supply inside), a crown or bonding may be all that’s needed. When the crack extends into the pulp or when you’re experiencing persistent, throbbing discomfort, root canal treatment is usually necessary to remove the damaged nerve tissue before we place a crown over the tooth.

How long does a crown last on a cracked tooth?

Dental crowns typically last between ten and fifteen years or longer with proper care, though longevity varies depending on the material used, where the crown is in your mouth, and your oral habits. Avoiding chewing on ice, hard candy, and non-food items helps extend the life of any crown. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the crown and the tooth underneath for any signs of wear or recurrent issues.

Should I avoid chewing on a cracked tooth?

Yes. Until we evaluate and treat the crack, chewing on the affected side puts additional pressure on the fracture and can cause it to spread. Stick to softer foods, avoid very hot or cold beverages on that side, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. If a piece of the tooth feels loose, don’t try to remove it yourself. Call us so we can assess the situation and recommend next steps.

Can you fix a cracked tooth without a crown?

In some cases, yes. Shallow cracks confined to the enamel surface may be treated with dental bonding, which involves applying composite resin directly to the fracture line. Minor cusp fractures around existing fillings can sometimes be repaired with a new filling rather than a full crown. We assess each crack individually and recommend the least invasive option that will protect the tooth long-term.

Does dental insurance cover cracked tooth treatment?

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of restorative procedures like crowns, fillings, and root canals when they’re deemed necessary for the health of the tooth. The exact coverage depends on your specific plan, your annual maximum, and whether you’ve met your deductible. We provide insurance assistance and help you understand your expected out-of-pocket amount before treatment begins.