--- title: "Cracked or Chipped Tooth: Repair Options and First Steps" description: "Cracked, chipped or broken tooth explained: types of breaks, what to do first, repair options from polishing to crowns, and when to call a dentist or ER." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cracked-chipped-tooth publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth: What Repair Fits Each Break? A chip is a piece of enamel that breaks off. A crack is a break that runs through the tooth. Repair depends on size and depth, from polishing or bonding to a crown, root canal or removal. Rinse, save any pieces, use a cold pack, and call your dentist. Pain, swelling or fever needs prompt care. GuideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read 1. 1 ## Chips and cracks differ Cleveland Clinic says a chip is a piece of enamel that breaks off, while a crack involves a break that runs through the tooth. 2. 2 ## Not all need treatment Cleveland Clinic says a hairline crack with no infection or pain may not need treatment, but you should still talk with a dentist. 3. 3 ## You cannot fix it at home Cleveland Clinic says you cannot fix a cracked tooth at home. Home steps only ease symptoms until the visit. 4. 4 ## Options match the damage Cleveland Clinic lists polishing, bonding, veneers, crowns, fillings, root canals and removal, depending on how deep the break goes. ## What is the difference between a chipped tooth and a cracked tooth? A chip is a small piece of enamel that has broken off. A crack is a break that runs through the tooth. Cleveland Clinic defines a chipped tooth as a fragment of tooth enamel that has broken off, and says a cracked or fractured tooth involves a break that runs through your tooth. Either one can be harmless or serious. Cleveland Clinic says you need a dental visit to know which. A [chipped tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/chipped-tooth) may only look rough. A crack can lead to infection if it reaches the inside of the tooth. Dentists also use the term [cracked tooth syndrome](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cracked-tooth-syndrome) for pain that comes from a crack, and the word fractured tooth for any break. The labels matter less than the depth and the symptoms. ## What types of cracks are there? Dentists sort cracks into groups by where and how deep they run. Cleveland Clinic names five. The table shows what each means in plain words. Type What it is How it may feel Craze lines Very thin cracks in the enamel Often no pain Fractured cusp A crack around a filling, often at a chewing point Usually little pain Cracked tooth A vertical crack from the biting surface toward the gum Pain when you bite or with temperature changes Split tooth A crack that splits the tooth into two parts Often painful, may run below the gum Vertical root fracture A crack that starts below the gum line and moves up May cause no symptoms until the pulp is infected Cleveland Clinic says cracked teeth do not always cause symptoms. That is one reason to mention any crack you notice, even if the tooth feels fine. ## What are the signs of a cracked or chipped tooth? Signs include a rough edge you can feel with your tongue, a missing fragment, pain when you bite, and sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods. Cleveland Clinic says losing a fragment large enough to expose the nerve can cause tooth pain. Cleveland Clinic says a cracked tooth may cause pain and swelling, and the tooth may feel sensitive to temperature changes or sweet foods. Do not try to diagnose yourself. Cleveland Clinic lists how dentists do it: they ask about symptoms, ask you to bite on a stick, look for cracks, check the gums, and take dental X-rays. They may also use a dye or a light to see the crack. ## What causes a tooth to crack or chip? Common causes are biting hard foods, injury and wear. Cleveland Clinic lists biting hard foods such as ice, candy and popcorn kernels, a blow to the mouth, and teeth grinding. It also lists age, since teeth wear down over time, and dental work such as large fillings or a root canal without a crown. Habits can play a role too. Chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth and biting your nails all put stress on enamel. If you grind your teeth, our guide on [teeth grinding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-grinding-and-tmj) explains how a night guard fits in. ## What should you do right away? Rinse, save the pieces, protect the area and call. These steps come from the ADA and Cleveland Clinic. 1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. The ADA lists this as the first step for a cracked tooth. 2. Save any broken pieces and bring them with you. Cleveland Clinic says to save and rinse them. 3. Place an ice pack on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. 4. Rinse with salt water. Cleveland Clinic lists this to clean your teeth. 5. If a sharp edge cuts your tongue or cheek, cover it with orthodontic wax from a pharmacy. 6. Take a pain reliever as the label directs, if you need one. 7. Call your dentist. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot fix a chipped or cracked tooth at home. When is it an emergency? Cleveland Clinic says a badly cracked tooth may be a dental emergency, and a chip with no pain can wait for your dentist. Severe pain, swelling or a fever needs prompt care. Our [dental emergency guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) covers when to use an emergency room. ## What repair options fit each break? Treatment depends on the damage. Cleveland Clinic says options range from no treatment for small chips to major dental work. The table below puts the choices side by side. Your dentist decides which fits after an exam. Option What it is Often used for Polishing or contouring Smoothing rough edges, adjusting the bite Small chips [Bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-bonding) Tooth-colored resin fills in the chip or crack Minor chips and cracks Veneer A custom shell over the front of a tooth Front teeth with more extensive cosmetic need [Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown) A cap that covers the whole tooth Large fragments lost, or a weak tooth Root canal Removes infected pulp A crack that reaches the pulp Removal Takes out the tooth Severe damage to the root and nerves After removal, your dentist can talk with you about replacing the tooth with a bridge or implant. Cleveland Clinic says replacing a tooth with an implant can take months. ## How do bonding and crowns compare for a chipped tooth? Bonding uses a tooth-colored material that is shaped onto the tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth. Cleveland Clinic says bonding fills in chips and can improve the look of minor ones, and that a crown may be used if you lose a large fragment. Bonding often fits smaller breaks, and a crown often fits bigger ones. Your dentist will look at how much healthy tooth is left, where the tooth sits in your bite, and how much force it takes. Back teeth bite harder than front teeth. The practice describes these treatments on its [dental bonding page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) and [dental crown page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown). Our guide on [crown, filling or onlay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) explains how dentists choose between them. ## What happens at the dental visit? The visit starts with questions and a close look. Cleveland Clinic says a dentist will ask about your symptoms and possible causes, check the tooth for signs of cracks and damage, and examine your gums for inflammation. Vertical cracks can irritate the gums. Tests may follow. Cleveland Clinic lists a bite test with a stick to see whether biting causes pain, a stain dye to show the crack, a light passed through the tooth, and dental X-rays. A periodontal probe can also help find a crack by measuring bone loss around the tooth. You can help the team by noting when the tooth hurts: when you bite, when you let go, with cold, with heat, or on its own. Say when the break happened and what you were doing. Then the dentist will talk with you about what the findings mean and which repair options fit. ## What about a chipped front tooth you want to look better? A small chip in a front tooth is often a looks issue before it is a health issue. Cleveland Clinic says slightly chipped teeth do not usually cause major problems, but they can make you self-conscious about how your teeth look. Options for looks include polishing for tiny chips, bonding with matching resin, and veneers that cover the front of the tooth. Cleveland Clinic says veneers may be needed for a minor chip that needs more covering than bonding gives. A crown may be used for a larger loss. Ask your dentist how each option would look and how long it may last in your mouth. Shade, shape and bite all matter. The practice also lists cosmetic services such as veneers and bonding on its [dental bonding page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding). ## What if a filling, crown or bridge breaks? A broken restoration is a related problem. Cleveland Clinic says that if you have a broken dental crown or bridge, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the restoration with you. For a lost filling, Cleveland Clinic suggests sugarless gum in the cavity or an over-the-counter dental cement until you are seen. Do not use super glue. Our [dental emergency guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) has more on these cases. ## What should you ask your dentist? Bring a short list. It helps you leave with a plan you understand. 1. Is this a chip, a crack or a split? How deep does it go? 2. Is the nerve involved? What did the X-ray show? 3. What are my options, and what does each one involve? 4. How many visits will each option take? 5. What will protect the tooth between visits? 6. What happens if I wait? 7. How will fees and insurance work? The practice gives each patient their own estimate. Write down the answers. If your tooth needs more than one visit, ask what to avoid chewing on until it is done. ## How long does repair take? It varies. Cleveland Clinic says repair can take weeks or months, depending on treatment. A crown can sometimes be fitted in a day but often takes several appointments. Making a veneer usually takes three to four weeks before it can be fitted. Replacing a removed tooth with an implant can take months. Ask your dentist for a schedule at the first visit. Ask what temporary protection you will have between visits. ## Do you always need treatment? No, but you should always have it checked. Cleveland Clinic says you may not need treatment for a crack that does not cause infection, does not cause pain, and does not run deep, such as a hairline crack. It also says you should always talk to a dentist if you have symptoms or notice a crack. Do not wait if the tooth hurts, if the gum is swollen, or if you see a dark spot. A chip or crack that exposes the inside of the tooth can let bacteria in and cause an infection, per Cleveland Clinic. ## How can you prevent chipped and cracked teeth? Cleveland Clinic says you cannot always keep from chipping a tooth, but you can lower the odds. Wear a mouth guard during contact sports. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Avoid hard foods if your teeth are weak, and use your teeth only for biting and chewing. Regular exams matter, since a dentist can spot a weak filling or a worn tooth before it breaks. If you play sports, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. ## Next step If a tooth is chipped, cracked or broken, call Town Center Dental at (636) 273-5866 during office hours, Monday to Thursday. You can also [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). Read about the practice’s [dental bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) service. If you have severe pain, swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, use an emergency room. ## Frequently asked questions ### How is a cracked tooth repaired? Cleveland Clinic says treatment depends on the damage. Options include bonding with tooth-colored resin, smoothing and polishing, a veneer, a crown, a root canal if the pulp is infected, or removing the tooth if the root is badly damaged. Your dentist will explain which fits after an exam and X-rays. ### Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Not always. Cleveland Clinic says a chip with no pain can wait for your dentist, but a larger chip that exposes the nerve can cause pain and infection. Call the office and describe it. If you have pain, swelling or a fever, ask for an urgent visit or use an emergency room. ### Can I fix a cracked tooth at home? No. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot, and you should always talk to a dentist if you suspect a crack. At home you can ease symptoms until the visit by placing an ice pack outside the mouth, rinsing with salt water, and taking a pain reliever as the label directs. ### Does a cracked tooth always need treatment? No. Cleveland Clinic says you may not need treatment for a crack that does not cause infection or pain and does not run deep, such as a hairline crack. Only a dentist can tell which kind you have. Mention any crack you notice, even if it does not hurt. ### How long does it take to fix a broken tooth? It depends on the repair. Cleveland Clinic says a crown can sometimes be fitted in a day but often takes several appointments, and a veneer usually takes three to four weeks to make. Replacing a removed tooth with an implant can take months. Your dentist can give you a schedule. ## Terms on this page - [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries) - [Cracked tooth syndrome](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cracked-tooth-syndrome) - [Dental emergency](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-emergency) - [Fractured tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fractured-tooth) - [Dental bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-bonding) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Chipped tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/chipped-tooth) - [Dental cement](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cement) - [Dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown) - [Lost filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/lost-filling) ## Sources 1. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (definition)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 2. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (emergency)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 3. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (craze lines)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 4. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (fractured cusp)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 5. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (split tooth)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 6. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (root fracture)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 7. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (symptoms)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 8. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (age)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 9. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (hard foods)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 10. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (bite test)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 11. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (X-rays)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 12. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (treatment depends)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 13. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (bonding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 14. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (contouring)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 15. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (crown)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 16. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (root canal)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 17. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (extraction)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 18. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (crown timing)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 19. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (veneer timing)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 20. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (no treatment)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 21. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (home care)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 22. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (salt water)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 23. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (definition)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 24. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (chip vs crack)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 25. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (small chips)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 26. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (exposed nerve)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 27. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (range of treatment)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 28. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (polishing)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 29. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (veneers)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 30. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (crowns)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 31. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (not fixable at home)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 32. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (prevention)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 33. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (cracked tooth first aid)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 34. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (cracked tooth)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 35. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (pain and swelling)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 36. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (temperature)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 37. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (stain dye)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 38. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (craze lines painless)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 39. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (cusp pain)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 40. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (vertical crack)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 41. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (split below gum)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 42. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (root fracture symptoms)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 43. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (dental work)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 44. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (grinding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 45. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (trauma)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 46. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (bridge or implant)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 47. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (implant timing)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 48. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (repair time)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 49. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (hairline cracks)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 50. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (see a dentist)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 51. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (NSAIDs)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 52. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (nail biting)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 53. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (bonding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 54. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (crown for large fragment)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 55. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (infection)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 56. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (cannot always prevent)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 57. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (night guard)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 58. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (weak teeth)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 59. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (use of teeth)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 60. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (orthodontic wax)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 61. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (history)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 62. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (look for cracks)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 63. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (gum check)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 64. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (light)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 65. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (probe)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 66. [Cleveland Clinic: Chipped Tooth (veneer vs bonding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth) 67. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (broken restoration)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Crown, filling or onlay: which does your tooth need?The size of the damage decides the repair. A filling fits small to medium decay. An inlay or onlay fits a tooth too damaged for a filling but too healthy for a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth when too little healthy tooth remains. Your dentist chooses after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) - [Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To CallA dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) - [Teeth Grinding and TMJ: Do I Grind My Teeth, and What Helps?Bruxism means clenching or grinding your teeth, often in your sleep. Signs include worn or chipped teeth, sore jaw muscles and morning headaches. TMJ disorders are a separate group of jaw joint and muscle problems. A night guard may protect teeth from grinding. Your dentist can check your teeth and jaw and talk with you about options.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-grinding-and-tmj) - [Veneers vs Bonding vs Crowns: Which Option Fits Chips, Gaps, and Stains?Bonding adds tooth-colored resin to a tooth, often in one visit and usually without removing enamel. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of a tooth and need some enamel removed. Crowns cover the whole tooth. Which fits depends on the size of the problem, your bite, and your goals.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/veneers-vs-bonding) - [Cavities explained: causes, decay without pain and treatmentYes, you can have a cavity without pain. NIDCR says early tooth decay usually has no symptoms, so dentists find it at checkups and on X-rays. Very early enamel damage can sometimes be stopped with fluoride. Once a hole forms, the usual treatment is a filling.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cavities-explained) - [Root Canal Treatment: Is It Painful, and Is Saving the Tooth Worth It?A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the canals, and seals them. Your dentist numbs the area first, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. The goal is to keep your natural tooth. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/root-canal-guide) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)