Experiencing dental problems in Ottawa is no picnic. Luckily, South Ottawa residents can now turn to the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa is able to provide comprehensive dental care. Whether you are looking for a dental check up or need the rarely discussed but very common disorder called Cracked Tooth Syndrome treated.
What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is a dental condition that is characterized by a fracture in the tooth of undetermined depth that leads to tooth loss if left to progress. This fracture can be large enough to crack off entire portions of the tooth but comes before the tooth actually cracks apart.
What Are the Causes of Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is a type of trauma to the tooth that can be caused by injuries, bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth), chewing on hard candies, chewing ice, biting on pens, and inflicting other trauma on the tooth by exceeding the threshold of ordinary pressures. It can also occur when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised from root canal procedures. Because a root canal kills the nerve and removes the blood vessels from the pulp chamber of the tooth, there is no nutrient-rich supply of blood to remineralize it. The eventual result is brittle tooth enamel that is eventually unable to support a crown. This happens more often when the root canal is bad from coronal leakage.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome also happens more frequently as teeth become brittle with age. People over the age of 50 experience Cracked Tooth Syndrome more frequently. It can also occur when sudden temperature changes occur in the mouth. Because teeth, like other materials, expand and contract when exposed to temperature extremes, it is possible for the tooth to fracture from this alone. Eating steaming hot soup and then using ice water to cool the mouth would be one example. Cracked Tooth Syndrome also occurs when people are injured in sports, accidents, falls, or otherwise apply excess pressure to their teeth. It can also occur when patients have large fillings that compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.
Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked Tooth Syndrome commonly causes sharp pain when biting, especially into harder objects or foods of mixed consistency. The pain may become even worse immediately after the pressure of the bite is released. This is a trademark of Cracked Tooth Syndrome and is known as "rebound pain."
Cracked Tooth Syndrome may also induce pain when teeth are moved in different directions and ground together. Yet, one of the telltale signs of Cracked Tooth Syndrome is the pain that occurs when exposed to cold stimuli if it is not present when the tooth is exposed to hot stimuli.
The patient may also notice pain when they eat foods or drinks that contain bleached sugar. Depending on the type of fissure, the pain may be isolated to one specific area or may radiate to the point of having an undeterminable origin. Because the symptoms are so inconsistent and depend heavily on the depth and location of the crack, the condition may be present for several months before a formal diagnosis is made.
Prevention for Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Because weak and brittle teeth are more vulnerable, people should strive to strengthen their teeth. They can use fluoride toothpaste, sip fluorinated water throughout the day to bathe their teeth in fluoride, and ensure that they get plenty of calcium and vitamin D for strong teeth and bones. It is also recommended to avoid sugary drinks, acidic drinks, and brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic or sugary products. Even regular water is on the acidic side. By switching to alkaline water with a higher pH, the enamel of your teeth will be stronger.
Patients should also use mouthguards if they play sports that risk injury to the mouth and maintain optimal oral hygiene. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre offers custom made athletic mouthguards, assuring that your teeth get optimal protection.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
In order to prevent the fissure from spreading and compromising the pulp chamber, the teeth have to be repaired as quickly as possible. Once the pulp is exposed to air, it will cause necrosis of the tooth as the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth rot out. If the tooth is too brittle, extraction may be the only remedy.
If the tooth was damaged in an accident or from heavy loads of stress being placed on the tooth, this can be repaired by bonding it. A root canal and crown restoration may also be recommended if the overall structure of the tooth is still strong. If you suffer with Cracked Tooth Syndrome, we recommended you come to our dental office and have your teeth checked out in order to create a proper treatment plan for your case. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for more information on the best treatment options for you, contact us today to book an appointment
