Cracked tooth syndrome: Diagnosis, treatment and correlation between symptoms and post‐extraction findings

Abstract

Although the cracked tooth syndrome has been known for over twenty years, it frequently remains undiagnosed because the condition is not sufficiently well recognized. Cracked tooth syndrome has been defined as an incomplete fracture of the dentine in a vital posterior tooth, and must be distinguished from a split tooth. A diagnosis can often be made by means of the history, and must be confirmed by reproducing the patient's symptoms. The ideal treatment consists of applying a stainless steel band to the tooth, with cessation of symptoms confirming the diagnosis, followed by a full coverage restoration. Case histories illustrating the syndrome are presented, and a further case is reported where a diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome was made, and the tooth extracted, sectioned and stained to show the nature of the cracks and their relationship to the pulp.

Cracked tooth syndrome. Part 2: restorative options for the management of cracked tooth syndrome

“…While the placement of copper rings and stainless steel bands have been suggested to be a clinically effective, minimally invasive and a cost effective immediate treatment modality for teeth affected by cracked tooth syndrome, 7 in the opinion of the authors, the technique of placing the latter may be time consuming and technically challenging. Furthermore, with the advent of adhesive dentistry, many dental operators may not have acquired the technical experience needed with the placement of copper rings; indeed, copper rings may not always be readily available in the modern general dental practice.…”

“…Upon review, following a period of two to four weeks after the application of the immediate splint, the absence of pain has been described to indicate not only a correct diagnosis but also successful immobilisation. 7 Where symptoms of thermal sensitivity persist, endodontic therapy may need to be considered. 7 In such cases, the splint may remain in situ until the completion of root canal therapy and the eventual application of the defi nitive restoration.…”

“…7 Where symptoms of thermal sensitivity persist, endodontic therapy may need to be considered. 7 In such cases, the splint may remain in situ until the completion of root canal therapy and the eventual application of the defi nitive restoration.…”

Cracked tooth syndrome. Part 1: aetiology and diagnosis

“…37 It is advocated that the stick is rested on the suspected tooth and the patient asked to bite; by the subsequent application of the stick to each individual cusp in turn it may be possible to localise the affected cusp. The use of cotton wool rolls involves placing the roll on the suspected tooth and requesting the patient to bite down and then suddenly releasing the pressure.…”

Crack Tooth Syndrome and Its Management.

“…Ehrmann et al 20 have advocated the use of this method as one with a higher level of sensitivity than that associated with the use of wood sticks.…”