CRACKED TOOTH SYNDROME
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is a condition in which a tooth has a craze line (crack) in it that can cause discomfort upon closing, biting, chewing, or even, sometimes, spontaneously. The pain may occur every time you chew on something or only intermittently. A crack in the tooth may also result in sensitivity to cold, sweets, or heat. This happens when hot, cold or sugary fluids pass through the tooth crack to the sensitive inner layers. Cracked teeth are more susceptible to decay, abscess and fracture. Craze lines are rarely visible to the naked eye and may only be seen under certain forms of illumination or under extreme magnification.
The source of discomfort comes from the surfaces on either side of the crack rubbing upon each other as the tooth flexes a bit when used. There is discomfort only if the crack has extended through the tooth's outer layer of enamel into the next layer, called dentin. Dentin has many sensitive nerve endings in it, so friction along craze lines that extend this far will be uncomfortable.
Your teeth can be cracked in many ways. Chewing on something hard, such as a foreign object in your food, can cause crazing. Trauma from an automobile accident or a sports injury can cause cracks in your teeth. Large fillings can also produce craze lines. If you grind your teeth severely while sleeping (a condition known as bruxism), cracks in your teeth may result. Chewing ice is a major cause of crazing. The combination of hardness and extreme temperature change, the latter causing volume shifts in your tooth like a frozen milk bottle bursting, is a sure way to damage your teeth. If you are experiencing cracked tooth symptoms, let our office know so you may be evaluated and treated.