Craze lines & fractured cusps
Surface lines or a broken corner of a tooth.
- Craze lines: usually cosmetic only
- Fractured cusp: filling or crown
- Good long-term outlook
Gangnam Seoul · Saving cracked teeth in English
Cracked Tooth Treatment in Gangnam Seoul
Sharp pain when you bite, then release? It may be a cracked tooth. Early treatment gives a better chance of saving it.
In short: cracked tooth treatment depends on how deep the crack goes: small cracks may need only bonding or a filling, while deeper cracks usually need a crown, and a root canal if the nerve is affected. A tooth split below the gum may need extraction. Seeing a dentist early helps stop a crack from spreading.
English-speaking team · Saturday appointments · Cheongdam Station Exit 14
Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee
Lead Dentist, Conservative Dentistry & Root Canals
- Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee Lead Dentist, conservative dentistry & root canals
- 3D CT Imaging to assess teeth and roots
- In-house lab Crowns made on site
- NHIS · TRICARE Korean NHIS, TRICARE Dental and major private insurers
Understanding cracks
What is a cracked tooth?
A crack can come from biting something hard, grinding, large old fillings or an accident. Cracks are often too fine to see, and may not show on X-rays.
Cracked teeth are assessed by Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee, our Lead Dentist for Conservative Dentistry & Root Canals, who aims to keep your natural tooth wherever possible.
Cracked, split or root-fractured teeth
Deeper cracks that can spread.
- Cracked tooth: crown, maybe root canal
- Split tooth: often extraction
- Vertical root fracture: usually extraction
When to see a dentist
Signs of a cracked tooth
Symptoms can come and go.
- Sharp pain when biting or releasing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain that's hard to pinpoint
- Swelling of the gum near a tooth
Risk factors
Common causes
- Grinding or clenching
- Biting ice, bones or hard candy
- Large old fillings
- A blow to the mouth
How we treat it
Your cracked tooth care, step by step.
We start with the most conservative treatment that will protect the tooth.
- 1
Diagnosis
Bite tests, X-rays and 3D CT if needed.
First visit - 2
Protection
Temporary measures to stop the crack spreading.
First visit - 3
Restoration
Bonding, filling or a lab-made crown.
1–2 visits - 4
Root canal
Only if the nerve is affected.
If needed - 5
Follow-up
A night guard if you grind.
Ongoing
Options at a glance
Cracked tooth treatment options
Your dentist will recommend an option after the examination.
| Treatment | Best for | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding/ filling | Small cracks or chips | Composite seals and supports the tooth. |
| Crown | Cracks weakening the tooth | A cap holds the tooth together. |
| Root canal + crown | Crack reaching the nerve | Nerve treated, then crowned. |
| Extraction | Split or root-fractured teeth | Removal, then a replacement plan. |
For international patients
Cracked tooth while in Seoul?
Message us on WhatsApp with your symptoms and we'll look for the earliest appointment — Saturdays included.
- Expats & residents: NHIS may partly cover some treatments, such as root canals.
- U.S. military families: we work with the TRICARE Dental Program.
- Visitors: English receipts and treatment notes for your insurer.
A typical visit plan
- Day 1
Examination and protection of the tooth.
- Days 2–7
Bonding or crown preparation.
- About a week
Crown fitting from our in-house lab, if needed.
- Ongoing
Check-ups and night guard if you grind.
Leaving soon? We can protect the tooth temporarily and give you English records.
Prevention
Protecting your teeth from cracks
These habits reduce the risk of new cracks:
- Avoid chewing ice, bones and hard candy
- Wear a night guard if you grind
- Wear a mouth guard for contact sports
- Don't use teeth to open things
- See us early if biting hurts
Questions patients ask us
Cracked tooth FAQ
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, a crack in a tooth does not heal, and it can spread. Early treatment gives a better chance of saving it.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Often, yes — with bonding, a crown or a root canal plus crown. A tooth split below the gum line usually cannot be saved.
How much does cracked tooth treatment cost?
It depends on the treatment needed, from bonding to a root canal and crown. Your cost is confirmed in writing after the examination.
Why does my tooth hurt only when I bite?
Biting can flex the crack and irritate the nerve. Pain on release is a common sign of a cracked tooth.
What should I do if I crack a tooth while travelling?
Avoid chewing on that side and message us on WhatsApp. We'll protect the tooth and plan treatment around your trip.
Where is A Plus Dental Clinic and how do I book?
We are on the 3rd floor of the Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu — right outside Exit 14 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7). Book on WhatsApp at +82 10-9325-2875.
Come and say hello
Pain when biting? Let's take a look.
Message us in English — we'll find a time that suits you and explain what to expect.
- Address
- 3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Cheongdam Station (Line 7), right outside Exit 14
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 (lunch 12:30–13:00)
Saturday 9:00–13:00 (no lunch break)
Closed Sundays & public holidays - +82 10-9325-2875
- Phone
- +82 10-9325-2875
This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A Plus Dental Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul · Since 1996 · Last updated October 2026
