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Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome treatment

Cracked tooth syndrome relates to a variety of symptoms that are caused by tooth fractures and cracks. When a tooth is cracked, treatment is important to prevent or slow the crack from becoming worse.

When discovered early, a crack or chip can often be repaired without the risk of losing the tooth. But did you know, you may have a cracked tooth without even realising it.

We use a high-intensity dentistry light to find even the smallest of fractures in your teeth.

For simple crack treatment of smaller issues, we will often look at options such as fillings or crowns. For larger issues, we will work with you to find the best solution for cracked, fractured or broken teeth.

Cracks, chips, fractures and even breakages can be caused by:
  • Large fillings (more than 60% of the tooth),
  • Clenching or grinding the teeth
  • Wear and tear
  • Large cavities
  • Accidents
  • Biting something hard.

The importance of treating cracked teeth

The longer a simple crack is left, the more likely it will worsen and become a complex crack – which takes a lot more time to fix and can also cause bigger issues. Cracks that are left untreated may cause the nerve inside the tooth to die, an infection to occur, and bigger procedures such as root canals or tooth extractions to be required. Early treatment is best.

Find some of the more common questions below and click to see an answer.

Cracked tooth syndrome refers to a condition where a tooth has a crack or fracture in the enamel and/or dentin layer of the tooth, but the crack is not severe enough to fully separate the tooth into two pieces. This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and intermittent pain. The crack can be difficult to diagnose, and may require a dentist to use a special dye or light to see the extent of the crack. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can become infected and require more extensive treatment such as a root canal or even extraction.

Cracked tooth syndrome can be caused by teeth grinding, biting down on hard objects, trauma to the mouth, weakened tooth structure, or age-related wear and tear. Identifying the underlying cause is important in preventing further damage or infection to the affected tooth.

Diagnosing cracked tooth syndrome involves a dental exam, x-rays, and possibly other diagnostic tests such as transillumination or a bite test. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent further damage or infection to the affected tooth.

How do you fix a cracked tooth?

Early intervention with care from your dentist is important for cracked teeth. Propagating cracks may be stopped or slowed down, increasing the chances that the tooth can be saved. The treatment approach depends on the extent and the position of the crack(s).

Simple Crack Treatment:

The treatment for most cracked teeth involves removing the weakened cusp and placing a large filling or crown on the tooth. If more than one cusp is fractured or if the tooth is heavily restored, then a crown is usually the recommended treatment. The crown protects the tooth and aims to prevent the crack from propagating. Think of a strap around a split tree branch!

Complex Crack Treatment:

If the crack has progressed to the nerve of the tooth or has caused inflammation of the nerve, root canal therapy may be needed before the crown or filling is put in place. With these cracks, treatment can take a long time as your dentist needs to assess how each step heals. It is best not to rush these and place a crown only to find out the crack is too large and the tooth has to be removed later on.

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Get assessed and treated for cracked tooth syndrome

Book an appointment with our experienced and gentle dentists and we will assess, diagnose and treat any chips, fractures, cracks and breaks in your teeth. We use light to detect even the smallest of fractures.

Or call us on 07 3221 5399