Cracked tooth syndrome

Abstract

Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is both a transient and progressive condition. There are numerous factors that may predispose a tooth to varying degrees of a crack. Incompletely fractured teeth are capable of causing great discomfort to the patient and it is also a source of concern for the dental practitioner. Diagnosis of CTS can be difficult. The patient reports with pain, and often the dentist relies on a periapical radiograph to determine the origin of the pain. Because CTS is a vital pulp condition, the periapical radiograph is of limited value as a diagnostic test. As a result, lack of treatment, or inappropriate treatment, will not resolve the symptoms, and the condition can result in the eventual loss of the affected tooth. This article will present the epidemiology, classification, etiology, signs and symptoms, the accurate diagnosis modalities and treatment options, along with prognosis and future prospects for this clinical condition through the undertaking of a comprehensive literature review of contemporarily available data.Through a comprehensive literature review, this article aims to provide an overview of the epidemiology, classification, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, as well as future prospects of cracked teeth which may be a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice.