Fact 4: The Detection Game – Diagnosing Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Diagnosing Cracked Tooth Syndrome is an exercise in dental detective work. Since the symptoms can be elusive and the physical evidence of a crack often invisible to the naked eye and conventional X-rays, dentists must rely on a combination of patient history, symptoms, and specialized diagnostic techniques.
One of the first tools in the diagnostic arsenal is the dental explorer, a sharp instrument that can catch on rough edges of a crack that a toothbrush or floss might skip over. Another method is the use of a special dye that can reveal the presence of a crack by seeping into it and making it visible.
Dentists may also employ a technique called transillumination, where a light is shined through the tooth to detect any irregularities in the structure. This method is particularly effective for finding cracks that are hidden beneath the surface.
In some cases, a dental professional might opt for a more tactile approach, using a device known as a ‘tooth slooth.’ This instrument allows the patient to bite down on it, and if pain is localized to a particular cusp, it can indicate a crack in that area of the tooth.
Despite the arsenal of tools available, sometimes the most valuable diagnostic resource is the patient’s own description of their pain and when it occurs. A detailed history of the pain’s onset, duration, and triggers can provide vital clues that lead to a diagnosis of CTS. (4)
