Cracked tooth syndrome is a dental issue that affects both the teeth and gums. It is characterised by a cracked or split tooth, and it can be incredibly painful if left untreated. This article will discuss the types of cracks, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cracked tooth syndrome.
What is cracked tooth syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is a dental condition in which the outer enamel of a vital posterior tooth has become cracked, usually caused by an external force. The crack can either be visible to the eye or invisible to the naked eye; however, it can still cause severe discomfort and pain. CTS can even lead to further complications, such as infection, decay, or loss of the tooth.
Types of cracks
The most common type of crack in a tooth is called a vertical root fracture. These tooth fractures occur when the root of the tooth is weakened or damaged due to decay or trauma. This can cause the crown of the tooth to split along its length into two pieces, resulting in severe pain. Other types of cracks include horizontal root fractures, which are caused by chewing on hard objects; split teeth, which are caused by biting pressure; and vital posterior teeth fractures, which happen when there is gum recession at the gum line.
Causes of cracked tooth syndrome
There are several factors that can cause cracked tooth syndrome. The most common cause is trauma to the mouth due to an accident or injury. Filling a large area of the tooth can cause it to become weakened, leading to an increased risk of tooth fracture. Other causes include biting down on hard objects such as ice cubes or popcorn kernels, clenching your jaw while sleeping, grinding your teeth at night (bruxism), and age-related wear and tear on your enamel.
Symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome
The most common symptom of cracked tooth syndrome is a pain when you bite down on something with that particular tooth. You may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as pain when you release your bite after eating something tough or crunchy. Other symptoms include swelling in the surrounding area, difficulty chewing food properly due to discomfort in that particular area, and an increase in plaque buildup around the affected area.
Treatment and diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome
The first step in treating cracked tooth syndrome is getting an accurate diagnosis from your dentist. Your dentist will likely use X-rays to determine the extent of the damage caused by this condition before prescribing treatment options, such as filling material placed inside a crown or bonding material used for smaller cracks in order to protect the underlying structure from further damage until it heals completely. When a crack has spread into the pulp of your tooth, it is likely that your dentist will suggest a root canal treatment in order to remove any damaged tissue and restore stability. In some cases where a large part of the structure has been destroyed by extensive decay or trauma, tooth extraction may be necessary depending on how far gone it is beyond repair.
Get your cracked teeth treated at the earliest
Don’t let a cracked tooth go untreated. Not only is it painful, but it can also lead to more serious dental problems down the road. At Gordon Family Dental, we can fix your cracked tooth quickly and efficiently. We understand that dealing with a cracked tooth can be stressful, which is why we offer gentle, compassionate care. So don’t wait – call us today at (02) 9159 6163 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you get your smile back!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Fractured Tooth (Cracked Tooth)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth
Cracked tooth syndrome: Overview of literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606573/
A cracked tooth can happen to anyone and, in some cases, is a dental emergency. Depending on the extent of the crack, it can cause Read more
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