Fact 3: The Great Pretenders – Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
The symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome can be as varied as they are deceptive. One of the most common indicators is a sharp pain when biting down on food, which mysteriously vanishes when the pressure is released. This pain is typically not constant and can come and go, making it difficult for patients to determine the exact source of their discomfort.
Temperature sensitivity is another tell-tale sign. A tooth affected by CTS may react strongly to hot and cold temperatures, causing a sudden, sharp pain that acts as a red flag for the condition. This sensitivity can extend to sweet or sour foods, providing another clue to the presence of a crack.
Some patients report a vague, lingering discomfort that seems to have no discernible cause. This discomfort can be particularly troubling because it can affect a patient’s overall sense of well-being, leading to frustration and anxiety over unexplained dental pain.
In some instances, CTS can even present as a feeling of something being ‘stuck’ in the tooth or gum, a sensation that persists even when there is no physical debris present. This odd sensation can be a result of the crack irritating the gum or causing an uneven bite.
The symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome often mimic other dental conditions, such as a cavity or gum disease, leading patients down a path of ineffective treatments. It’s only when these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms that CTS becomes a suspect, highlighting the importance of thorough and investigative dental diagnostics. (3)
