Unlike many tissues in the body, tooth enamel does not regenerate. Once a crack has formed in the enamel layer, it will not heal by itself — regardless of how careful you are. This is a fundamental limitation of how teeth are structured.
What Does Heal — Partially
However, the story isn't entirely bleak. If the crack is very shallow — confined to the enamel only — it may not progress and may not cause ongoing symptoms. Some craze lines (fine cracks in enamel) are stable and don't cause problems for years.
If the crack extends into the dentine but has not reached the nerve, the nerve may be able to recover from the initial inflammation if the crack is sealed properly with a filling or crown. This is why timely treatment of a cracked tooth matters — before the crack propagates further.
What Does Not Heal
Any crack that extends into the root, crosses below the gum line, or has exposed or irritated the nerve will not heal naturally. The nerve inside a tooth is enclosed in a rigid structure and cannot recover if it has been damaged beyond its capacity. In these cases, root canal treatment or extraction is needed.
The Crack Will Progress
The most important point about cracked teeth is that they almost always get worse over time. Every time you chew on a cracked tooth, the crack flexes and propagates slightly further. This is why cracks that are treated early with a crown — which holds the tooth together and prevents flexing — often save the tooth. Cracks left untreated tend to progress to the point where the tooth needs to be removed.
If you suspect you have a cracked tooth — especially if it causes pain on biting — book an assessment. The sooner it's treated, the more likely the tooth can be saved.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.