Tooth split in half vertically: All you need to know

Tooth fractures, especially vertical ones, can affect any tooth in your mouth. They can be limited to the top of the tooth (the crown), the roots, or both.

They are becoming more and more common. This is because today people are keeping their teeth longer. The more time passes, the more stress is put on the teeth and the higher the risk of fractures.

Treatment depends on the extent and severity of the injury. So the sooner you act, the better the chance of saving your tooth.

What is a split tooth in half?

A split tooth in half is when the fracture starts at the chewing surface and extends to the roots below the gum line.

The teeth most likely to be affected are the molars (back teeth), as they receive the most chewing pressure.

It usually starts with a superficial fracture of the crown that has progressed deep into the root area, dividing the tooth into two segments. It can also be the result of sudden, severe trauma.

How is a split tooth in half diagnosed?

Your dentist will first assess the extent and severity of the fracture.

In the early stages, the fracture line can be challenging to detect. Sometimes only some symptoms, such as discomfort or pain when chewing, can indicate the presence of such lesions.

Over time, the fracture line may become discolored, revealing a crack that runs vertically across the height of the tooth and extends below the gum line. If the fracture has split your tooth in half, you may notice that it has become loose and tends to come out.

Your dentist may use different tools and techniques to make an accurate diagnosis, including:

• Ask questions: Your dentist will ask if you feel pain when you press on the tooth or eat hot or cold food. These are some of the first signs.


• Do a visual test: He will look for the fracture line to assess its extent and direction on your tooth.


• Remove the restoration: This is the safest way to assess the fracture line of a cracked tooth. If your tooth is filled, your dentist may suggest removing it for a better assessment.


• Use a microscope: This tool allows the dentist to take a closer look at what is happening inside a chipped tooth.


• Periodontal probing: Your dentist will use an instrument to examine the tissue around the fracture and assess the depth of the damage.

Symptoms and potential complications of a split tooth

If a tooth is broken, bacteria can enter the tooth through the fracture line and affect the nerves. At first, you may feel pain when you eat hot or cold foods. But later, an infection may develop along with severe pain.



Bacteria can also enter the tissue surrounding the tooth and cause the same symptoms. Your gums may become red, swollen, and inflamed. In an advanced stage, an abscess may appear.

However, if there is no pain, it does not mean that the tooth is safe. It may just be the first stage of a fracture that has not yet reached the pulp. The tooth may also be dead or have had a root canal. In this case, the tooth will not react, but the surrounding tissue may still be affected and cause pain later.

Don't confuse split teeth with craze lines

Craze lines are another type of injury that can give the impression that the tooth has split. It appears as a long, tiny defect that runs from the top of the tooth to the gum line. However, unlike split teeth, craze lines are limited to the enamel, the outermost tooth layer, and don't extend to the roots.

Craze lines are more common in older people and can affect the front and back teeth. The risk increases even more if you have a dental filling or you clench or grind your teeth.

Because the enamel is not innervated, craze lines are not painful. Usually, they are not something to worry about and do not require treatment.