One of the most common dental issues affecting patients today is cracked tooth syndrome. While it’s a surprisingly widespread phenomenon, many people don’t even realise they have it until they start feeling severe pain or develop other adverse symptoms. That’s why proper diagnosis and management are critical in order to maintain optimal oral health.
In this blog post, you will learn what causes cracked tooth syndrome and discover a number of effective strategies for diagnosing and treating the condition. With this information in hand, you can manage your symptoms and protect your teeth from further damage.
Understand the Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects many people and can be difficult to spot, as the fracture may be below the gum line. It is medically defined as an incomplete crack of a vital posterior tooth that involves the dentine and occasionally extends to the pulp.
It is important to understand these symptoms so that cracked teeth can be identified early and treated by a qualified dentist. Other signs of CTS include sensitivity to hot and cold drinks, as well as pain when using the cracked tooth for chewing.
Cracked Tooth Types
Split tooth
This is when a tooth is cracked vertically from the top to the bottom, usually due to pressure being applied in two directions or too much force.
Fractured Cusp
Incomplete fracture of posterior teeth involving the cusp. A fractured cusp is when a piece of enamel breaks off due to trauma, resulting in a sharp edge that can easily catch on food and cause discomfort.
Cracked Tooth
This crack runs horizontally across the top of the tooth, usually caused by clenching or grinding.
Vertical root fracture
This type of fracture runs vertically from the crown to the root, often caused by trauma or biting on something hard.
Main Causes of Tooth Fracture
The most common causes of tooth fractures are:
- Biting on hard items, such as candy, ice cubes or other objects
- Clenching and grinding teeth (bruxism)
- Traumatic injuries to the mouth
- Tooth decay or weakened enamel
- Tooth grinding
How to Diagnose Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Diagnosing cracked tooth syndrome can be difficult because the symptoms may not be immediately noticeable or painful. In order to accurately diagnose cracked tooth syndrome, a visit to the dentist is necessary.
During this appointment, your dentist will visually inspect your teeth for minute cracks and conduct a bite test to determine which tooth is causing the pain. X-rays may also be taken in order to rule out another possible diagnosis, such as cavities and gum disease.
By identifying the diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome early on, treatment options can involve crowns, fillings and dental bonding. Seek the help of your dentist right away if you suspect you have cracked teeth — sometimes, undetected cracked teeth can lead to more serious issues!
Treatment of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) can lead to severe dental complications if it is not treated appropriately. Various cracked tooth treatment options exist, but the exact choice will depend on the severity of your cracked tooth.
For instance, bonding is often a simple and effective solution if the cracking is minimal. However, if more serious damage occurs, a crown or root canal may be necessary. In certain cases, extraction may be necessary if there is too much damage to treat with other cracked tooth treatments.
You may consider getting a dental implant or bridge to replace the crown or tooth following removal. In any case, speak with your dentist to determine what cracked tooth treatment solution will best suit you and your specific needs is best.
Prevention of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome is a common dental issue that occurs when the outer layer of a person’s tooth begins to chip away. Although it is usually not a serious medical issue, it can cause jaw, face and ear pain, as well as discomfort in the gums.
Additionally, wearing any necessary protection, such as night guards or mouth guards when playing contact sports or grinding the teeth throughout sleep, can help reduce the risk of this condition as well. Taking steps towards prevention will give anyone peace of mind and keep their smile looking its best!
What to Expect After Diagnosis and Treatment for Cracked Tooth Syndrome
After being diagnosed and treated for cracked tooth syndrome, it’s important to know that recovery can take some time. Your dental practitioner may recommend that you use extra caution when eating or limit yourself to softer foods for a period of time.
Furthermore, follow-up visits are necessary for your dental practitioner to ensure the treatment is successful and accurately addresses any pain in the area. As such, following the instructions prescribed by your practitioner is one of the most important steps you can take when it comes to caring for a cracked tooth post-treatment.
Remember always to be patient while allowing your mouth to heal, and you’ll be sure to make a full recovery without any long-term complications.
When to Seek Professional Help for Cracked Tooth Syndrome
If you suspect you may be suffering from Cracked Tooth Syndrome, professional help is the best path of action. It’s important to note that cracked enamel and even deeper cracks require attention from a professional dentist.
Without proper treatment, you can suffer pain or even more serious oral health complications, including excess bacteria buildup and eventual tooth loss. Those that experience sharp or persistent pain with various pressure sensitivity should be particularly aware to seek help quickly before the issue worsens with time.
That being said, it’s important to remember that depending on the severity of the crack, some symptoms won’t show up until later stages or when there is an underlying infection present in your gums or other areas around your tooth. Early detection is key to preventing any further complications down the road.
Takeaway
Cracked tooth syndrome affects millions of people around the world, making it an issue that should not be dismissed or overlooked. Understanding the symptoms, knowing how to diagnose and treat them, and being aware of preventative measures are all key when it comes to dealing with cracked tooth syndrome. It is important to familiarise yourself with your dental care options and have professional help when needed.
Despite the commonness of this condition, getting a proper diagnosis and seeking out treatment as soon as possible is essential in restoring cracked teeth before any further damage can occur.
If you believe you may have cracked tooth syndrome or experience any discomfort in your mouth or teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to MyHM Dentist today. Our friendly, experienced dentist will always strive to provide you with effective solutions for optimal dental health. Call us today on (02) 9158 6379 to book your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Cracked tooth syndrome: Overview of literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606573/
Cracked tooth diagnosis and treatment: An alternative paradigm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439863/
Cracked teeth
https://www.dentalhealth.org/cracked-teeth
Cracked teeth
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
