Cracked tooth syndrome (shortened to CTS, as well as described cracked cusp syndrome, split tooth syndrome, or insufficient fracture of posterior teeth), is where a tooth has incompletely cracked however no part of the tooth has yet broken off. Sometimes it is described as a greenstick fracture. The symptoms are really variable, making it a notoriously difficult condition to identify.
Cracked tooth syndrome is most typical in lower back teeth (molars). That’s since these teeth take in the majority of the forces of chewing.
Some individuals grind or clench their teeth. These people may be more likely to have cracked tooth syndrome. In some cases, the way an individual’s teeth come together can put excessive pressure on one tooth. This can cause the teeth to split.
Teeth with big fillings may be most likely to crack. Teeth that have actually gone through root canal treatment are weaker than other teeth and also might be more likely to crack. Individuals with one cracked tooth are more likely to have others, either at the very same time or in the future.
Cracked tooth syndrome takes place when a tooth that’s too small to appear on X-rays, or is under the gum and challenging to determine. It appears usually on molars.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome Symptoms
The tooth might hurt in some cases when you bite or chew. The sensitivity or pain can be mild or intense. It may last a quick time or a very long time. It may be painful just when you eat particular foods or when you bite in a specific method. You will not feel a consistent ache, as you would if you had a cavity or abscess. The tooth may be more conscious cold temperatures.
If the fracture gets bigger, a piece of the tooth might break off. You might also develop an infection. This can take place in the gum around the fractured tooth. You may discover a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth. Pus may drain from the pimple. This is known as a fistula.
Lots of people with split tooth syndrome have symptoms for months. Split tooth syndrome is among the most hard dental issues to detect because the pain is not predictable. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist (root canal professional).
How Is the Syndrome Diagnosed
Your dental expert will analyze your mouth and teeth, focusing on the tooth in question. He or she may use a sharp instrument called an explorer to understanding of fractures in the tooth. Your dentist likewise will look at the gums around the tooth. You may have X-rays taken. However X-rays frequently do disappoint the crack.
Your dental practitioner may use unique tools to test the tooth. One tool appears like a tooth brush without bristles. It fits over one part of the tooth at a time as you bite down. If you feel pain, the part of the tooth being evaluated most likely in it.
Your dental professional might shine a really brilliant light on the tooth. She or he might stain it with an unique dye. If the tooth already has a filling or crown, your dentist may eliminate it in order to see the tooth better.
Expected Period
The length of time symptoms last depends upon how quickly a cracked tooth can be identified. After a fracture is discovered, treatment might not entirely alleviate the symptoms.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome Treatment and Prevention
If you grind or clench your teeth, speak to your dental practitioner about treatment. Grinding can increase your risk of cracked tooth syndrome.
Treatments for cracked tooth syndrome do not always relieve the symptoms.
Treatment depends upon:
- Where the fracture is
- How deep it is
- How big it is
In some cases a fracture affects several cusps of a tooth. These are the acmes of the tooth. In this case, the tooth might be repaired with a crown, also called a cap. Some crackes impact the pulp: the center of the tooth, where the nerves and capillary are. Because case, the tooth will require root canal treatment.
About 20% of teeth with cracked tooth syndrome will need root canals. After a root canal, the tooth will not be sensitive to temperature level, however it still will react to pressure. If you felt pain before the root canal, you may still feel some pain later. It probably will not be as intense or as frequent, but it might still take place.
In some cases, the tooth may have to be eliminated. Some cracks affect the root of the tooth in the jaw. There’s no other way to fix this type of fracture. If your tooth is gotten rid of, you can have it replaced with an implant or a bridge.
Your dental practitioner can make a night guard (a plastic bite piece) to prevent you from grinding your teeth. This will eliminate the pain from grinding. For some people it can stop tooth level of sensitivity. The night guard can be used during sleep. It also can be used at other times if clenching or grinding happens during waking hours.
If you feel pain when you bite or chew, call your dental office.
Prognosis
Treatment of cracked tooth syndrome is not always effective. Your dental professional ought to talk with you about what may occur. In some individuals, a crown will fix the issue. In others, root canal treatment solves the problem. Some individuals continue to have occasional symptoms after treatment. They might have to have the tooth secured.