Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Abstract

Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is defined as an incomplete fracture of a vital posterior tooth that involves the dentine and occasionally extends into the pulp. The most commonly affected teeth are mandibular molars, followed by maxillary premolars and maxillary molars. The diagnosis of CTS can be difficult and challenging for many dentists in clinical practice due to the variety of symptoms and the fact that it is hard to recognise. However, among the most frequent symptoms in patients with CTS is a sharp pain on biting and thermal sensitivity. CTS has a multifactorial aetiology, some of the most frequently seen being masticatory or accidental trauma, and unintentional biting with either physiologic masticatory force or on a very hard object. Objectives: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the different diagnostic tools and to determine the ideal tool in case of cracked tooth syndrome, establish the main aetiological factors, determine the optimal management and study the prognosis. Methodology: The present research was carried out based on an extensive bibliographical review using Medline, Pubmed and the online library of Universidad Europea. Conclusion: Crack tooth syndrome can have multiple causes and aetiologies; therefore, it is important to implement a variety of diagnostic tools to be able to dismiss other possible pathologies and achieve the definitive diagnosis. Bite test and transillumination are two of the diagnostic methods that proved to be widely common for the detection of CTS but used as a combination of the two. Moreover, an early diagnosis has been associated with more successful restorative management and prognosis. Keywords: Cracked tooth syndrome, diagnosis, management, aetiology, cracked tooth and treatment, signs and symptoms of cracked tooth Syndrome.