Cracked Tooth Syndrome is one of the most common problems dentists encounter. Although it is surprisingly widespread, many people are not even aware they have it until negative symptoms begin to appear. These individuals visit dental clinics due to intense tooth pain and various chewing difficulties. In nearly half of these visits, cracked tooth syndrome is detected.
You may also be suffering from similar complaints and suspect that you have the same condition. By reading this content, you can learn what cracked tooth syndrome is and what symptoms it presents with. Right after that, you can gain an idea of what causes the condition, and in the final section, discover a series of effective strategies for treatment.
What Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome refers to an oral health condition where a small fragment of a tooth breaks. Due to its very small structure, diagnosing and planning treatment is quite difficult. Various imaging techniques used to support diagnoses in dental diseases may be inadequate for this syndrome.
Individuals with cracked tooth syndrome experience pain especially when biting into hard foods. In advanced cases, pain can also make chewing difficult for some patients. The symptoms that arise are variable, making it a hard condition to define.
What Are the Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome can manifest differently in each patient. Some patients report pain particularly during biting, while others say they experience pain during both biting and chewing. Both conditions are early indicators of this syndrome.
In addition to this, there are other symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome that may appear at different times in many individuals:
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
- Pain that occurs especially when certain foods are consumed
- Pain may appear as mild to moderate in intensity
- Cold weather and wind can intensify the pain
- Swelling of the gums, sometimes accompanied by gum bleeding
- Localized swelling around the cracked tooth
Understanding these symptoms is very important for the early diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome and its treatment by a specialist dentist.
What Causes Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome can occur due to various factors. However, there are some specific causes that especially trigger the syndrome. Here are the causes of cracked tooth syndrome:
- Biting or chewing hard objects
- Teeth grinding and bruxism
- Consumption of cold or hot beverages
- Trauma
- Blows to the mouth
- Accidents
- Tooth decay and weakened enamel
How Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cracked tooth syndrome can be difficult because symptoms may not be immediately noticed, or the patient may not experience severe pain. The most accurate way to get a definitive diagnosis is to visit a specialist dentist.
During the appointment, your dentist visually examines the teeth. If there is pain while biting, a bite test can be performed. X-rays may be used to identify tooth decay and other possible diagnoses.
Treatment of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
If not treated properly, cracked tooth syndrome can lead to different dental complications. As with all dental diseases, there is no single treatment method for this condition. The treatments to be applied will vary depending on the severity of the cracked tooth and the general health status of the patient.
After the necessary examinations are completed, your dentist may choose one of the following treatment plans for you:
1. Dental Crown
In cracked tooth syndrome, it is the surface of the tooth, not the pulp, that is affected. At this point, dental crowns may be preferred to best protect the affected area. Crowns can protect the tooth from further damage and also address aesthetic concerns.
2. Root Canal Treatment
If the crack begins to affect the soft tissue where the nerves are located, root canal treatment may be necessary. It is thought that one out of every ten cracked tooth syndrome cases requires root canal treatment. The treatment involves removing the infected pulp from the center and roots of the tooth.
3. Tooth Extraction
A crack that severely affects the tooth root and extends below the gum line unfortunately cannot be treated by other methods. A tooth that cannot be saved and is left in place can cause infection and further discomfort. To prevent all of this, the tooth must be extracted.
4. Mouth Guard
If the cause of cracked tooth syndrome is teeth grinding and clenching, this issue must first be addressed. Because even if the crack is treated, the patient may grind their teeth again, causing a crack in another tooth. To prevent this, the use of a mouth guard device may be recommended.
