Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) describes a dental problem involving a fracture in a tooth that is often too small to be readily visible on a standard X-ray. This condition can lead to sharp, intermittent pain. The subtle nature of these fractures makes them challenging to diagnose without specific clinical tests. These cracks represent a structural compromise within the tooth.
Identifying Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A person experiencing Cracked Tooth Syndrome often reports erratic pain when chewing, particularly upon releasing the bite. This discomfort can also manifest as a sudden, sharp pain when the affected tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Sometimes, sensitivity to sweet foods may also indicate an underlying crack. These symptoms typically do not present as a constant ache, but rather as unpredictable, momentary sensations.
Since these cracks are frequently microscopic, dentists employ several diagnostic methods. One common approach involves a bite stick test, where the patient bites down on a small, plastic instrument placed on individual cusps of the tooth. A dental explorer, a fine-tipped instrument, might be used to gently feel for fissures or irregularities on the tooth’s surface.
Transillumination is another technique, where a bright light is shone through the tooth, revealing shadowed lines indicative of a crack. Applying a special, temporary dental dye to the tooth can also make a subtle fracture more visible. These methods help confirm a diagnosis.
Common Treatment Procedures
The appropriate treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the crack’s size, its location, and how deeply it extends into the tooth structure. For minor, superficial cracks that affect only the outer enamel, a procedure called dental bonding may be sufficient. This involves applying a tooth-colored plastic resin material directly to the fractured area, which is then hardened with a special light, effectively filling and sealing the crack, restoring the tooth’s surface integrity and appearance.
When the crack is more extensive but has not reached the tooth’s inner pulp, a dental crown is a frequent and effective treatment. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the chewing surface and sides of the damaged tooth. This cap acts as a protective shield, holding the tooth together and preventing the crack from spreading further. Crowns are typically made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.
If the crack has extended into the tooth’s soft inner tissue, the pulp, causing infection, a root canal procedure becomes necessary. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection. Following a root canal, a dental crown is almost always placed on the tooth to protect it from fracture, as the tooth can become brittle.
In cases where the crack extends vertically below the gum line or has completely split the tooth, saving the tooth may not be possible. Extraction becomes the final option. Removing the tooth prevents ongoing pain and infection.
Managing an Untreated Cracked Tooth
Ignoring a cracked tooth allows the crack to deepen or spread further. This can lead to more significant damage, making future treatment more complex.
A primary risk of an untreated cracked tooth is pulp infection. As the crack deepens, bacteria from the mouth can invade the pulp chamber, leading to infection. This infection can be painful and may spread beyond the tooth’s root tip.
Pulp infection can lead to a painful abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus that develops in the surrounding gum tissue and bone. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and spread systemically. Delaying treatment increases the likelihood that the tooth will fracture completely. A full fracture often extends vertically through the tooth, making it impossible to save and leaving extraction as the only option.