Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a tooth has a crack that is too small to show up in an X-ray or is under the gum and therefore challenging to identify. It most often appears on molars.

What are the Signs that your Tooth is Cracked?

A crack in your tooth can be hard to detect simply because these fractures are often invisible to the human eye. In fact, hairline cracks may not even appear on X-rays. So how can you tell if your tooth is fractured? Look out for localized pain that flares up when you bite into food or when you expose your teeth to hot or cold temperatures. The pain or discomfort will not be constant, as with a cavity.

What Causes a Tooth to Crack?

Several behaviours and incidents can lead to a crack, also known as a fracture, in one of your teeth. In some cases, simply chewing on a hard object or type of food such a biscuit or ice can cause a crack to develop. Habits that are sometimes related to stress, including tooth grinding or jaw clenching, can also make your teeth more susceptible to fractures. Occasionally, an accident or forceful trauma may lead to a cracked tooth.

How to Treat Cracked Tooth Syndrome

At the Surbiton Smile Centre ® our Dental team will recommend the best treatment depending on the severity and location of the tooth fracture. Treatment options include:

• Bonding
• Crowns
• Root canal
• Tooth removal

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects your teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, thus, reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root.

If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful, then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

How to prevent sensitivity

See your dentist at the Surbiton Smile Centre ® to check your teeth for a cavity, cracked tooth, misalignment, or gum disease

Our Cracked Tooth Syndrome Specialists

Dr. Simin Soltani (Principal dentist) DDS . MSC . Sweden Dr Shima Mahdavi-Izadi DDS, MClinDent MEndo, Specialist Endodontist