Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your teeth that seems to come and go without warning? You may have cracked tooth syndrome (CTS).
CTS is a condition where the tooth’s outer surface is cracked, but the crack does not extend through the entire tooth. It can be caused by trauma or too much pressure on a single tooth, such as clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes this condition and how it can be treated.
What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is an umbrella term for various types of cracks that can occur in teeth due to a wide range of causes. Generally, such cracks extend from the chewing surface of the tooth towards its root, although they may have other shapes as well.
This type of crack is difficult to detect without proper diagnostic tools and, in many cases, can reduce the overall integrity of the tooth, making it more prone to further damage or even complete disintegration.
The risk associated with cracked teeth increases when it induces nerve damage or infection, and dental treatments are necessary in order to restore oral health.
Types of a cracked tooth
There are five main types of cracked teeth:
Craze lines
These are very thin cracks that do not extend all the way through the teeth and do not cause any pain or discomfort.
Cracks extending from the chewing surface
This type of tooth fracture is more serious since it can reach the nerve and produce discomfort.
Fractured cusp
Here, the crack extends through the entire tooth, affecting its structure and causing pain.
Split tooth
This is when the tooth has been fractured or split into two or more pieces due to a traumatic event or too much pressure on a single tooth.
Vertical root fracture
This type of crack develops when the root of the tooth is damaged and extends upwards towards the chewing surface.
What Causes Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome can be caused by several factors, such as large fillings, accidents, clenching or grinding of teeth, and eating hard foods.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) is defined as a vital posterior tooth resulting in damage to the dentine and sometimes even extending into the pulp.
It can also occur when there is too much pressure placed on one particular tooth from chewing. It is more common in adults than children because adults are more likely to have had traumatic events, such as an accident that could cause CTS.
Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
The symptoms associated with incomplete fractures of posterior teeth vary depending on the severity of the tooth fractures and whether it has affected any nerves. Common signs include: 
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Pain while biting or after the release of biting pressure, especially when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
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Pain that comes and goes without warning.
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Sensitivity to sweet foods and liquids.
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Aching pain in the jaw, neck or head.
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Visibly cracked tooth (although this may not be evident in all cases).
Treatment Options
Diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome can be a challenging task. To do this, your dentist will ask you about your dental history and conduct an extensive inspection of your oral health and teeth, concentrating on the particular problematic tooth.
They may employ an explorer to feel for any breaks in the enamel and search around it for signs of irregularities in the gum line.
Treatment for cracked tooth syndrome will vary depending on the severity of the crack. Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment if the crack has extended into the inner layers of your tooth.
They may also recommend bonding or crowns if they feel it will help protect your compromised tooth from further damage. In some cases, extraction may be necessary if the crack cannot be repaired with other methods.
Conclusion
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) is an uncomfortable condition that affects many people every year. It occurs when there is too much pressure placed on one particular tooth from chewing or other activities such as grinding or clenching of teeth.
Treatment for CTS varies depending on the severity of the crack but often includes root canals, bonding/crowns, or extraction if necessary. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with CTS, don’t hesitate to contact Leichhardt Market Place Dental (My Local Dentists) on (02) 9171 0840 right away for a proper diagnosis so that we can develop an effective treatment plan for you!
Sources
Cracked tooth syndrome: Overview of literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606573/#:~:text=Cracked%20tooth%20syndrome%20may%20be,ligament.%5B1%2C2%5D
Diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467890/
Cracked teeth
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
The Cracked Tooth Syndrome
https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-68/issue-8/470.pdf
Cracked teeth
https://www.teeth.org.au/cracked-teeth
Review of Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Etiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8694987/