Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Also written as: CTS — Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A clinical condition characterised by an incomplete fracture of a posterior tooth causing intermittent pain on biting, often with difficulty localising the affected tooth.
Full Definition
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) presents with sharp pain on biting or chewing, classically when pressure is released, due to an incomplete crack propagating through the crown and potentially into the root. It is diagnostically challenging because standard radiographs rarely reveal the fracture. Endodontic involvement is possible when the crack extends to the pulp, necessitating root canal treatment prior to restoration. Editors should capitalise 'Cracked Tooth Syndrome' when used as a named clinical entity and be aware that the acronym CTS is used in specialist literature. The condition must not be confused with a complete vertical root fracture, which has a different prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise as a named syndrome. CTS is acceptable on second reference in technical documents.
In Context
- "Cracked Tooth Syndrome was diagnosed using the bite test with a Tooth Slooth device." — Clinical examination record
- "The differential diagnosis section must clearly distinguish Cracked Tooth Syndrome from a complete VRF." — Manuscript review note