Can a cracked tooth not show up on an X-ray?

X-rays usually do not show the small cracks that cause cracked tooth syndrome. Only if the cracks are wide enough, they may show up as shadows. Sometimes a special dye might be used to temporarily stain the tooth, and check to see if it is fractured.

What happens if you have a broken cusp?

When a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling, it’s called a fractured cusp. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, and usually doesn’t cause much pain. Your dentist can place a new filling or crown over the damaged tooth to protect it.

How is a fractured tooth diagnosed?

Examine your gums for inflammation, since vertical fractures may irritate your gums. Pass a light through your tooth to illuminate the fracture (transillumination). Put a staining dye on your tooth to better see the tooth crack. Take an X-ray of your teeth to see fractures and related issues, such as bone loss.

Will a fractured cusp heal?

Usually, a fractured cusp in adult teeth does not injure the pulp and requires repair by a filling or dental restoration. When a broken cusp only affects the chewing surface, it may not cause any symptoms at all.

How is a hairline fracture in the tooth treated?

These are a few methods used to repair fractures:

1. Bonding – The crack is filled in with resin.
2. Crown – A ceramic or porcelain prosthetic is put over the damaged tooth and acts as a cap.
3. Root Canal – If the crack is deep and extends to the pulp, a root canal will remove the pulp and eliminate the pain.

What causes hairline fractures in teeth?

Hairline cracks are caused mainly by pressure on the teeth. Over time, putting pressure on your teeth causes tiny cracks that may be unnoticeable to the eye. However, hairline cracks are noticeable by the way they feel. Many people affected by hairline cracks often experience a sharp pain when they bite down.

What is a cusp tooth?

A cusp is an occlusal or incisal eminence on a tooth. Canine teeth, otherwise known as cuspids, each possess a single cusp, while premolars, otherwise known as bicuspids, possess two each. Molars normally possess either four or five cusps.

What is vertical root fracture?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, “A vertical root fracture is a longitudinally oriented fracture of the root that originates from the apex and propagates to the coronal part.”[1] According to the literature, vertical root fracture is the third most common reason for extraction of an endodontically …

How do I know if I have a root fracture?

However, signs that you may have a vertical root fracture include: Mild pain when biting. The appearance of a crack when examining with a special light or dye. A draining sinus tract appearing next to the tooth that looks like a boil or ulcer, which is often a sign that there is an infection beneath the tooth.

What are teeth cusps?

How do I know if I have a hairline fracture in my tooth?

Diagnosis

1. A visual examination using a magnifying lens.
2. A physical examination using dental tools.
3. Probing your gums to locate the area of irritation.
4. Using a dental dye on your teeth to highlight any cracks.
5. An x-ray to show where the pulp is not as healthy, indicating there may be a crack.