Cracked Tooth Syndrome Treatment in St Leonards

What Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a tooth develops incomplete fractures that may not be visible on X-rays. These cracks can irritate the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to intermittent pain - particularly when chewing or releasing pressure. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can deepen, potentially leading to infection or the need for extraction.

• Pain when biting or chewing that comes and goes
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Discomfort that's hard to localise
• Pain when releasing biting pressure

What Causes a Cracked Tooth?

Cracks can develop for a number of reasons:

• Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Large existing fillings that weaken the tooth
• Biting on hard objects or foods
• Sudden temperature changes in the mouth
• Age-related wear and weakening of tooth structure
• Trauma or injury to the mouth

How We Diagnose Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can be challenging to diagnose because the fractures are often too small to see on standard X-rays. We use a combination of techniques including visual examination with magnification, bite tests to reproduce the pain, transillumination (shining light through the tooth), and digital imaging to identify the location and extent of the crack.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the crack.

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