Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) – have you heard of it? CTS occurs when a tooth has a crack that is too small to be seen on typical dental X-rays or is hidden under the gums. Diagnosing and treating a cracked tooth is important to maintaining good dental health. Let’s learn a little more about this condition.
Who Does CTS Affect?
Cracked tooth syndrome can affect anyone but is more common among:
- Adults over forty. As our bodies age, so do our teeth. Aging teeth weaken and make them more susceptible to cracking.
- People with bruxism. Bruxism is the habit of grinding your teeth. Clenching your teeth while awake or grinding them during sleep is usually an unconscious habit. If it is frequent and severe enough, it can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, and cracked teeth.
- Individuals who frequently chew hard objects or foods are also prone to CTS. Ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy are just a few examples of foods that are not good for your teeth, raising the risk of cracking a tooth.
- Those with large tooth fillings. While fillings protect your teeth and roots from further bacteria or decay, larger fillings can weaken the tooth structure. These weakened teeth may, in time, crack under the pressure of daily use.
While these are some of the most common causes of CTS, anyone can suffer a cracked tooth. So, let’s discuss the symptoms of CTS.
What are the Symptoms of CTS?
Symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome are varied but typically include one or more of the following:
- Sharp pain when chewing or biting, especially when releasing the bite.
- Sensitivity to hot and/or cold temperatures.
- Pain that comes and goes (not constant pain).
- Radiating pain that makes it difficult to determine which tooth is causing the problem.
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above, it is important to see a dental professional for diagnosis and treatment before the condition becomes more challenging.
Treatment for CTS
The good news is that CTS is treatable. Treatment options depend on the location and severity of your cracked tooth.
Minor cracks are treated with bonding material that fills the crack and restores the tooth’s strength and integrity. If the crack is moderate, placing a dental crown or cap over the tooth prevents it from further damage. Severe cracks that affect the nerve require a root canal to remove the damaged nerve and save the tooth. When a crack extends below the gum line or affects the tooth’s root a dental professional will likely recommend extraction.
Whether the crack in your tooth is minor, moderate, or severe, it is vital to get treatment to restore the cracked tooth to health, save the surrounding teeth, and maintain your oral health.
Contact us With Questions
The Placerville Dental Group is pleased to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding cracked tooth syndrome or any other dental inquiry. We are an experienced dental team that cares about our patients and their oral health. Contact us today via phone or by using our online form.
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