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What Is “Cracked Tooth Syndrome”?

Written by Jerrold D. Guss, DMD • Mar 20 • 2 minute read

A cracked tooth will ruin your dinner plans in an instant. Even the smallest crack in the enamel can threaten dental health over time. Whether big or small, cracks are easily fixed with a trip to the dentist. Unfortunately, if a person experiences one cracked tooth, the chances of additional cracked teeth are great. It is a common condition for lower molars, teeth heavily filled with amalgam fillings, and for people who clench or grind their teeth at night. Cracked Tooth Syndrome gets its name from the problem repeating itself on multiple teeth.

Understanding Cracked Tooth Syndrome



No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth each day, cracked tooth syndrome may still occur. Old silver (amalgam) fillings often play a part in adults suffering from cracks. Silver fillings do not bond to the tooth but rather held in place by retention. Over the years, repeated stress from eating creates hairline fractures. These cracks increase in size over time. Objects pressing against the tooth will open the crack and move dentin (the bulk of the tooth under the enamel) to press into the pulp chamber (your tooth’s nerve center). Once the pressure is released, the crack will quickly close and create a sharp intense pain.

When cracks are left untreated:



  • Pulp is further damaged creating sensitivity to hot and cold and continuous pain
  • An abscess may form inside the pulp area
  • Crack may spread to result in a fractured tooth
  • Tooth fractures below the gum line are not salvageable
  • Vertical fractures are not salvageable

Treating Cracked Tooth Syndrome


With routine dental check-ups, cracks caught in the early stages are easily fixed with a crown. This restoration method will cap the tooth and protect the pulp and nerves from potential bacterial damage. Untreated cracks that filter bacteria down into pulp will require root canal therapy before a crown is fit. Unsalvageable fractures will result in tooth extraction. At this point, a replacement tooth is suggested to prevent further troubles with bone loss, teeth movement and facial collapse. Most dentists will suggest a dental implant for optimum support and oral health.

Tooth restoration services at the office of Jerrold D. Guss, DMD will focus on long-term oral health with the least intrusive dental treatment plan. Once you have been diagnosed with Cracked Tooth Syndrome, your dentist will pay special attention to remaining molars and teeth with old silver fillings. Teeth do weaken with age so it is important to keep up with routine dental checkups to catch cracks in their earliest stages. If at any time you feel temperature sensitivity or sharp pain during meals, contact your dentist right away.

Don’t ignore Cracked Tooth Syndrome. If you have already been treated for one tooth, the chances of it happening to another one are significantly higher. Eliminate the need for root canals and extractions by calling Dr. Guss as soon as you feel any type of tooth discomfort.

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Jerrold D. Guss, DMD | 1776 Erringer Road, Suite 106, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805) 527-9300

Jerrold D. Guss, DMD | 1776 Erringer Road, Suite 106, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805) 870-8994