Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research (SJODR)
Volume-4 | Issue-10 | 686-690
Case Report
“Cracked Tooth Syndrome – A Diagnostic Enigma”
Shazia Salim, Abdul Afsal Latheef, Feroze Raheem, Mohamed Irfan, Sharath Chandrashekhar, Shahina Salim
Published : Oct. 16, 2019
Abstract
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is a relatively common occurrence in general practice. The term cracked tooth syndrome is misleading as there are a range of symptoms that do not form a distinct and reliable pattern. A lack of awareness of the condition coupled with its varied clinical features can make diagnosis of cracked tooth difficult. Crack may initiate from coronal tooth structure or from within the root and affect healthy, restored or root treated teeth. The location, direction and extent of a crack have a profound effect on the choice of treatment, so clarity is important. With these considerations, many teeth with cracks can be saved! This clinical report describes the diagnostic procedures and management of incompletely fractured and unrestored mandibular molar in a 32 year old male patient. Clinical examination revealed teeth with crack line and associated pulpal inflammation. The tooth was splinted with orthodontic stainless steel band and root canal treatment was carried out. The tooth was then restored. Thus, the key factor in the management of cracked tooth is early diagnosis and immediate splinting so as to limit the propagation of the crack.