Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Also written as: CTS — Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A clinical condition characterised by incomplete fracture of a vital posterior tooth, presenting with sharp pain on biting or release that is difficult to localise and often absent on percussion.
Full Definition
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) describes the constellation of symptoms arising from an incomplete crack propagating through the dentine of a posterior tooth, typically without radiographic evidence of fracture. The hallmark symptom is a sharp, fleeting pain on biting or on release of biting pressure, often exacerbated by cold stimuli, that is challenging for the patient to localise. Diagnosis is clinical, using tools such as a tooth sleuth, bite stick, or selective anaesthesia. The condition exists on a fracture continuum from craze line to split tooth; management options range from cuspal coverage crown to extraction, depending on crack extent and pulp involvement. Editors should note this is a syndrome of clinical features, not a simple fracture diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise as 'Cracked Tooth Syndrome' only when used as the formal diagnostic label; otherwise lowercase in running text.
In Context
- "Cracked tooth syndrome was suspected following the patient's report of sharp pain on biting that resolved immediately on release." — Endodontic diagnostic notes
- "A tooth sleuth was used to reproduce the patient's pain and confirm a diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome affecting the mesial cusp." — General dentistry clinical case report