Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Over time, routine wear, decay, and accidental trauma can damage teeth, causing them to crack and fracture. While early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing problems, some patients may not notice symptoms that are indicative of larger dental issues, leading them to put off treatment until it is too late. In particular, cracked tooth syndrome is a fairly common condition that can lead to long-term damage if left unaddressed.

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Common among patients who grind or clench their teeth, individuals who have poor alignment, as well as patients with large fillings, or those whom have undergone root canal treatment, cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a tooth has a crack that is too small to show on digital x-rays. While patients may experience sporadic pain when chewing or if the tooth is exposed to heat or cold, many often disregard the need for treatment, as there is no visible damage to the tooth.  

What are the Long-Term Consequences of Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

If left untreated, the crack will continue to grow in size, leaving the inner tooth systems vulnerable to bacterial infection and decay. Late detection can also limit treatment options, requiring more extensive solutions in order to regain oral health and oral function.

Location of the crack also plays a role in the long-term impact and methods of treating the condition. If the crack occurs outside the tooth or below the gum line, periodontal treatments may be required in order to retain gum health. In contrast, if the crack has occurred within the tooth and has impacted the inner pulp and nerve, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.

Crack Tooth Syndrome Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of this condition also depend on the location of the crack. Patients with inner tooth cracks often experience sharp spikes of pain when chewing, as well as sensitivity to changes in temperature, while patients with cracks on the crowns of teeth often find themselves sensitive to temperature changes and sweet foods. Meanwhile, patients with cracks near the gums may experience tenderness around or near the tooth.

Treating a Cracked Tooth

Early diagnosis and treatment is the first step to preventing further damage and saving a tooth from extraction. At Smiles of SanMarcos, we recommend patients come in to our San Marcos dental practice if they find themselves experiencing painful chewing, temperature sensitivity, or other symptoms of a cracked tooth. During your visit, our dentist uses advanced technologies to comprehensively examine each tooth for damage. When it comes to restoring a cracked tooth, we use metal-free fillings and crowns to ensure lasting results and improved oral health and function. To learn more about the importance of treating cracked teeth and your available treatment options, contact our San Marcos dentist today.