Unlike a broken bone, which has self-restorative and regenerative powers, the fracture in a cracked tooth will not heal on its own. Despite treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate; this may result in loss of the tooth. The placement of a crown on a cracked tooth provides maximum protection, but this is only suitable in certain situations.   Not only will the treatment of a cracked tooth relieve pain and reduce the likelihood that the crack will worsen, but it also provides a promising prognosis: once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing.