Cracked tooth: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in Dubai
Sharp pain when biting? How cracked teeth are diagnosed and treated at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.
A cracked tooth often causes a brief sharp pain when biting or releasing, especially on something hard. Cracks can be hard to see and may deepen over time.
A crown or onlay often protects the tooth. If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed; a crack splitting the root may require extraction.
Signs and symptoms
- Sharp pain on biting or release
- Sensitivity to cold or sweet
- Pain that comes and goes
Common causes
- Grinding and clenching
- Large old fillings
- Biting hard objects such as ice or bones
- Root-treated teeth without crowns
When to see a doctor
See a dentist soon — early cracks are easier to protect than deep ones.
Red flags — seek prompt care
- Constant throbbing pain
- Swelling near the tooth
- A piece of tooth breaking off
How it is diagnosed
Bite tests, magnification, dye and X-rays help locate the crack.
Which doctor to see
Dr. Manhal Helfawee
Medical Director · Dentist & Implant Dentistry
Implants, full-arch rehabilitation and cosmetic restorative dentistry.
Treatment options
A crown or onlay often protects the tooth. If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed; a crack splitting the root may require extraction.
What happens if it is left untreated?
Cracks can deepen into the nerve or split the root, which may make the tooth unsaveable.
Can it come back?
A crowned tooth is protected, but other teeth may crack if grinding continues.
Prevention
- Avoid chewing ice and hard objects
- Night guard for grinding
- Crowns on heavily filled or root-treated teeth
Questions patients ask
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-09-23 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.
Can a cracked tooth heal?
No. Teeth do not heal cracks, but a crown can stop a crack from spreading.
Which doctor treats cracked tooth in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in Al Safa 1, cracked tooth is assessed by Dr. Manhal Helfawee (Medical Director · Dentist & Implant Dentistry).
How is cracked tooth diagnosed?
Bite tests, magnification, dye and X-rays help locate the crack.
When should I see a doctor about cracked tooth?
See a dentist soon — early cracks are easier to protect than deep ones.
What treatments are available for cracked tooth?
Depending on the cause: Crowns & Bridges, Root Canal Treatment, Inlays & Onlays. A crown or onlay often protects the tooth. If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed; a crack splitting the root may require extraction.
Can cracked tooth come back?
A crowned tooth is protected, but other teeth may crack if grinding continues.
Can cracked tooth be prevented?
Avoid chewing ice and hard objects; Night guard for grinding; Crowns on heavily filled or root-treated teeth.
Where is Manhal Medical Center?
We are at Building 101, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access from Jumeirah, City Walk, Downtown and Business Bay.
Related conditions
Further reading
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Building 101, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE