The 3 Stages of a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a slow, silent progression through three stages: craze lines, layer separation, and finally, fracture.
Early detection is everything. At Arbo Dental Care Bradford we can diagnose the stage you’re at to determine the most appropriate plan for you.
 

Why It Matters

A tiny line today can become tomorrow’s root canal—or extraction.
Most cracks start pain-free, so you may not notice until it’s too late. Recognizing the early stages can save both your tooth and your wallet.
 

How This Shows Up

A patient comes in with occasional “zing” pain when chewing ice. The dentist spots faint vertical lines on the enamel—craze lines—harmless for now.
Six months later, that same tooth starts hurting when biting down. The layers of enamel and dentin have separated, letting bacteria creep inside.
Another year, and the crack runs deep enough to split the tooth entirely—a fracture requiring a crown or extraction.
 

• Craze lines are superficial cracks in enamel, usually from micro trauma e.g. nail biting, hard foods, sudden impacts
• Separation of layers happens when repeated stress or clenching causes microscopic movement between enamel and dentin.
• Fracture means the crack has reached the root, disrupting the blood and nerve supply. The deeper the crack, the harder (and costlier) the fix.

Take-Away Action

If you feel a sharp pain when chewing, avoid hard foods and book a dental checkup immediately.

If you’re wondering where you’re at now, visit us at Arbo Dental Care Bradford!