There are many causes of cracked tooth syndrome.  To begin with, teeth are under constant pressure from biting and chewing.  As the natural aging process occurs, they lose much of their original strength.  Teeth can also be weakened by Bruxism. 

A person may be grinding his or her teeth during sleep and not even realize it.  People who suffer from this condition are far more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome. 

An impact from an accident can also cause a tooth to crack. 

Certain dental procedures can also cause teeth to lose structure.  Many times, we see this when there are large fillings present, or as the result of root canals.  Also, it is never a good idea to chew on ice, candy, popcorn kernels, or foreign objects.  All of these can cause cracked tooth syndrome.  .  This can happen with large fillings or from root canals.  If you chew on ice, candy, popcorn kernels, or foreign objects, you can crack your teeth. 

Cracked tooth syndrome happens more in the lower molars toward the back of the mouth.  This is because this part of the mouth does the majority of chewing. 

It seems as well that anyone who suffers from one cracked tooth seems to have more than one.  This is particularly true for those individuals who have suffered some sort of blow to the mouth.   

The sinister thing about cracks in teeth is that people normally do not realize they have them because they cause such intermittent symptoms.  When a tooth flexes, hairline cracks open and microscopically stimulate the nerve in the tooth. 

This, in turn, puts pressure on the tubules that run down the nerve and cause the fluid around it to cause pain.  This also exposes the nerve to toxic bacteria, which then make it sensitive and vulnerable to infection that can spread to the nerve and bone tissue beneath the root.

Intermittent symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

         One side of the mouth becomes too uncomfortable to chew on.

         Teeth become too sensitive to hot and cold.

         A sharp pain is felt when biting down.

Ignoring these symptoms and letting infection spread can result in a tooth abscess.  The tooth can break off at this point, and a root canal will be necessary to avoid having to extract it. 

If this happens, you are looking at a possible abcess.  Part of the tooth can break off at this point, and a root canal will be needed to save it, or extraction will be the only other option. 

Houston cosmetic dentists run a series of diagnostic tests on the mouth and teeth.  X-rays are included in this, as well as an analysis of the bite.  All fractures are noted and assessed, and a treatment plan is devise.  Treatment for cracked tooth syndrome depends on the location and direction of the crack and how severely damaged the tooth is.   

If a crack is determined to only affect tooth enamel, we may just simply remove the affected portion and restore it with a cosmetic dental onlay to stabilize it.  Or, we may crown the tooth to protect it against future possible damage.