Cracked Tooth Treatments Compared: Resin, Inlay, Crown, Root Canal and Extraction

Treatment of a cracked tooth depends on the extent of the break and the condition of the nerve. A small break is filled with resin, a wide one is covered with an inlay or crown, and if the nerve is exposed, root canal treatment comes first. If the crack runs vertically down to the root, the tooth is usually extracted and a replacement is chosen among an implant, bridge and denture.

Published 2026-11-08 · Updated 2026-11-08 · DentalStatics editorial team

Key facts

Front tooth fracture	Varies with the extent, but most can be restored with composite resin (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
Vertically split tooth	Usually extracted (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
When root canal treatment is needed	When the pulp is exposed by severe decay or a tooth fracture (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
Crown after root canal	A molar or a heavily shaved tooth needs a crown to prevent fracture (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
Root canal duration	Usually 3 or more visits 3-7 days apart, from same-day completion to several months (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
Implants for ages 65+	Lifetime limit of 2, 30% copayment (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))

How does treatment change with the extent of the break?

The criteria for choosing treatment are how much has broken, whether the nerve is exposed, and whether the crack runs below the gum to the root. Besides looking with the eye, the dentist confirms these three with X-rays and nerve response tests, then decides on the method.

Even for the same size of break, the choice can differ between a front tooth and a molar. For front teeth, shape and color matter, so resin or laminates are often considered, while for molars that bear heavy chewing force, inlays or crowns are often recommended to protect the remaining tooth.

A little enamel broken: smoothing or resin
Broken into dentin: resin, or an inlay if the extent is wide
A large part of the tooth broken: crown
Nerve exposed or inflamed: root canal treatment, then crown
Split vertically to the root: usually extraction

How do I choose among resin, inlay and crown?

Composite resin is built up directly on the tooth and hardened; it is often done in one visit and removes less tooth. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) explains that most front-tooth fractures can be restored with composite resin, and resin lifespan is reported in the literature as varying from 3.3 to 16 years.

An inlay is a method of cementing a piece made from an impression onto the tooth, and the KDCA explains that gold inlays do not break easily under chewing force but need two or more visits for making and treatment. A crown covers the whole tooth and is chosen when the remaining tooth is thin or to protect a cracked tooth.

The more tooth is shaved, the harder it is to undo later. If the same result can be expected, consider the method that shaves less tooth first, and decide after hearing from the dentist why a given method is needed.

When does a cracked tooth need root canal treatment?

The KDCA explains that root canal treatment is needed when the pulp is exposed by severe decay or a tooth fracture, or when mechanical damage has occurred in an accident. If the broken surface looks pink, throbbing pain continues after the break, or the tooth darkens, the nerve condition needs to be tested.

Root canal treatment usually takes 3 or more visits at 3-7 day intervals, though it can finish the same day or take several months. A treated tooth has been heavily shaved and can break easily, so very hard food must be avoided, and a molar or heavily shaved tooth is covered with a crown to prevent fracture. After treatment, regular checks including an annual X-ray are done to see whether reinfection occurs.

What are the options if a cracked tooth is hard to save?

A tooth whose crack has run deep toward the root, or that has split vertically, is usually extracted. The gap can be filled with an implant, bridge or denture, and the choice depends on the condition of the neighboring teeth, the amount of bone and cost.

For people aged 65 and over with partial tooth loss, National Health Insurance covers up to 2 implants in a lifetime with a 30% copayment. A bridge is made by shaving the teeth on both sides to connect across, so when the neighboring teeth are healthy, the pros and cons need to be weighed together.

How do I compare the cost of treating a cracked tooth?

National Health Insurance covers light-cured composite resin only for permanent-tooth cavity treatment in ages 12 and under, and resin for fracture or wear is not covered. So for adults or children, treating a cracked tooth with resin, an inlay or a crown is mostly non-covered.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has stated that resin fillings and crowns are non-covered items commonly done at dental clinics. Non-covered prices by clinic can be looked up on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA, 건강보험심사평가원) website and the Geongang-eum app, and even for the same crown the price differs by material, so comparing accurately means matching the material name too.

Common myths and facts

Myth: A cracked tooth must always get a crown.

For a small break, resin is often enough. The KDCA explains that most front-tooth fractures can be restored with composite resin.

Myth: Root canal treatment makes a tooth stronger.

A root-canal-treated tooth has been heavily shaved and can break easily, so molars or heavily shaved teeth are protected with a crown.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I leave a cracked tooth untreated?

Food and bacteria collect on the broken surface and decay forms easily, and as the crack deepens the nerve can become inflamed or the tooth can split to the root. Then bigger treatment or extraction becomes necessary than at the start, so early diagnosis is good even without pain.

Why is a temporary crown placed first?

To protect the tooth while the final crown is made and, for a cracked tooth, to see whether symptoms disappear after covering. If pain continues during the temporary crown period, root canal treatment may be done first.

How do I choose the crown material?

Weigh chewing force, whether it is a front tooth or molar, the condition of the opposing teeth, esthetics and cost together. Even materials with the same name differ in price by clinic, so decide after hearing both the reason for the recommendation and the cost.

Is root canal treatment covered by health insurance?

Root canal treatment is an insured item, and so often done under insurance that the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service evaluates the appropriateness of dental root canal treatment. However, the crown placed after root canal treatment is mostly non-covered and costs extra.

Do I need an implant right after extraction?

Depending on the gum and bone condition, it is sometimes placed at the same time as extraction and sometimes after waiting a few months for healing. For insured implants for ages 65 and over, the age at the start of the procedure is the criterion, so keep that in mind when planning the timing.

References

Korean version →