Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is a very common problem, usually affecting teeth with large fillings.

The decay and subsequent filling can weaken the remaining tooth structure. After biting on the tooth many times over, a stress fracture can develop.

Chart illustrating the stages of cracked teeth, highlighting progression from minor cracks to severe damage.

Effects Of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a very common habit. Nearly every person will grind their teeth at some point in their life. Grinding causes massive increases (200-300%) in the stress and strain on your teeth. You may benefit from a night guard. Even unfilled teeth can develop cracks.

The Anatomy Of A Cracked Tooth

As the tooth flexes microscopically, the nerve is stimulated. Tiny fluid filled tubes (tubules) are located in the dentin, and run down the nerve of the tooth. As the tooth crack opens and closes, sucking and pumping takes place on the tubules causing fluid to push and pull on the nerve. This is what causes the sharp pain and discomfort associated with a cracked tooth.

Signs Of A Cracked Tooth

Tooth sensitivity can occur when the nerve is aggravated by a crack and bacteria are pumped into it via the tubules. The tissue becomes inflamed due to the toxins in the bacteria. This inflammation can cause the tooth to become sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. In some cases, biting down on a certain part of the cracked tooth may also cause sharp pain.

Another sign of a cracked tooth is visible damage. This can include a small chip in the enamel or a larger piece of the tooth missing. A crack may also be seen on an X-ray, although not all cracks are immediately visible through this method.

Risks Of Avoiding Treatment

If treatment is avoided, the crack will continue to spread like a crack in glass. It is possible for the crack to go off to the side, and a piece of the tooth to break off. The crack can also go as deep as the nerve and into the nerve. It is not a good idea to leave it: a small crack can be treated effectively, but a large crack can lead to root canal treatment or extraction. Pain can become severe and may not be controlled with painkillers.

Treatment For Cracked Tooth Syndrome

The only real solution is to bind the tooth together with a crown, so that any chewing force moves the tooth as a whole rather than splitting it apart. Most people prefer a natural appearance; therefore, an all porcelain crown is made in most cases. Gold crowns are also an option if you prefer.

Is It Guaranteed That The Tooth Will Recover Following Treatment?

This is not a guarantee. Despite the best treatment, about 10% of cracked teeth have nerves that go on to die. The tooth can still move slightly within the bone and can flex the crack from beneath. Sometimes the existing bacterial damage is so substantial that the nerve goes on to die regardless of what we do.

A man holding a toothbrush, preparing to brush his teeth.
A person in blue gloves holds a tooth up to a monitor, displaying it for examination or presentation.

Alternative Treatment Options If The Tooth Does Not Recover

If a tooth does not recover, the nerve will die, and an abscess will probably develop. We would then need to perform root canal treatment. If a crown has already been placed, we can still perform this procedure through the crown. The hole in the crown, created when performing the root canal, will then be restored with a filling that matches the color of the crown.

Is It Possible To Have A Cracked Tooth Without Symptoms?

Cracks in teeth can develop slowly and this can allow bacteria to enter the nerve. As a result, the nerve can die in a manner that is less noticeable than usual. Many people have teeth which, unknown to them, have dead nerves. Sometimes you can get away with it for a while, but unfortunately these teeth are like ticking time bombs. The low grade infection in them can suddenly flare up, causing pain and swelling.

If My Nerve Is Already Dead, Do I Still Need A Crown?

Yes, and even more so. You need a crown now to stop the existing crack (which was severe enough to kill the nerve) from spreading down the brittle root. This is called a ‘vertical root fracture’. This will result in the extraction of the tooth. Crowns are needed on dead teeth more than on teeth with living nerves, due to them becoming brittle and more prone to fractures.

If you feel like you have a tooth with cracked tooth syndrome in the West Jordan, UT area, contact our team today!

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