Posted on 3/16/2026 by South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery
Imagine biting into a crisp apple and feeling a sharp, unexpected pain. Or perhaps you’ve noticed a sensitivity to hot or cold that just won’t go away. These could be signs you're dealing with a fractured tooth. Understanding what a fractured tooth is, and what options exist, is essential for maintaining good oral care and a healthy smile.
What is a Fractured Tooth?
A fractured tooth means there's a crack or break in the hard outer layer of your tooth, called the enamel, and sometimes even deeper into the dentin or pulp. Fractures can vary greatly in severity, from tiny, hairline cracks that are barely noticeable to severe breaks that extend below the gum line. They can occur in any tooth, but are more common in molars due to the heavy chewing forces they endure.
How Do Fractures Happen?
Several factors can contribute to a fractured tooth. These include:
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Grinding or clenching your teeth: This puts excessive pressure on your teeth, especially at night.
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Large fillings: Fillings weaken the remaining tooth structure, making it more susceptible to fractures.
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Trauma: A blow to the face, a fall, or even biting down on something hard can cause a fracture.
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Age: As we age, our teeth can become weaker and more brittle.
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Sudden temperature changes: Eating something very hot followed by something very cold can cause the tooth to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
Recognizing the Signs
Sometimes a fractured tooth is obvious, like when a piece of the tooth breaks off. But other times, the symptoms are more subtle. Look out for:
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Pain when chewing or biting: This is often the most common symptom.
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Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods: This indicates the fracture may be affecting the inner layers of the tooth.
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Pain that comes and goes: The pain might be intermittent, especially when you release biting pressure.
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Swelling around the affected tooth: This could indicate an infection.
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A rough edge on the tooth: You might be able to feel a crack or break with your tongue.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Ignoring a fractured tooth can lead to several problems. The fracture can worsen over time, potentially leading to more significant damage and pain. Bacteria can enter the crack, causing infection and inflammation of the pulp (the nerve center of the tooth). This can lead to the need for more extensive interventions.
What Can Be Done?
The approach to addressing a fractured tooth depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Some minor cracks may only require monitoring and adjustments to your oral care routine. Other fractures might need restorative dentistry intervention to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Oral Surgeon Gilroy • About South Valley Oral & Facial Surgery We believe your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Give us a call in San Jose, Gilroy or Los Banos today! South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, 5595 Winfield Blvd, Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95123-1220 : 408-479-9449 : svofs.com : 4/9/2026 : Tags: dental implants San Jose CA :
Imagine biting into a crisp apple and feeling a sharp, unexpected pain. Or perhaps you’ve noticed a sensitivity to hot or cold that just won’t go away. These could be signs you're dealing with a fractured tooth. Understanding what a fractured tooth is, and what options exist, is essential for maintaining good oral care and a healthy smile.