Comments on: How does a dentist test for a cracked tooth?

By: bobbi b

bobbi b — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:13:59 +0000

Depends on exactly what you mean by a cracked tooth.

A fractured tooth after trauma may be x-rayed to show a horizontal fracture under the gum or bone.

If however you are talking about a vertically cracked tooth that will not show up on a radiograph. It can only be diagnosised by visual inspection or by use of biting on something such as tooth-sleuth or cotton wool.

Often the dentist suspects a cracked cusp but can not prove it and the only way to find the crack is to remove any fillings and then press on the tooth tissue that remainsm a cusp at a time and see if that cusp falls off!

Not very scientific but can be very effective.
References :
Too many years a dental surgeon

By: Katrina G

Katrina G — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:01:59 +0000

it depends where it is. the dentist would take an Xray of the tooth the crack will seem to be a different colour to the rest if it is cracked.
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By: ???SILENTRAGE???

???SILENTRAGE??? — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:15:59 +0000

exrays usually
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By: ArchWired.com Braces Website

ArchWired.com Braces Website — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:52:59 +0000

X-rays often do NOT show a crack in a tooth. Sometimes, unfortunately, it can be a very difficult thing to diagnose, even if you have the best dentist in the world. This is called "Cracked Tooth Syndrome."

If there are no obvious signs of a crack, and you are suddenly experiencing sensitivity or pain in one tooth, chances are it could be cracked. Do not ignore this, because if the crack goes too deep (down to the root for example), the tooth may not be able to be saved.

Depending on the type of crack, the dentist may be able to repair it with composite bonding material. However, it may be necessary to crown the tooth instead. If root damage has occurred, a root canal may be necessary. If the tooth is beyond repair, it may need to be extracted.
References :
http://www.archwired.com

and….I have a cracked tooth that I need to have crowned, so this is also from my personal experience.

By: Margaret C

Margaret C — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:07:59 +0000

To be honest xrays won't usually show a crack in a tooth. Cracked teeth usually have a range of symptoms, and not all will show the same ones, but typically a cracked tooth will be
1/ painful to temperature change
2/ painful to bite on (usually more when you release the bite than when you bite down, but this isn't always the case…)

Sometimes the crack is obvious to the naked eye, and sometimes the filling needs to be removed and you can see it then. You can get someone to bite on a piece of plastic or cotton wool to try and see if it is painful. You can also shine a bright light through the tooth- the crack will show up as the cracked part won't transmit the light like non-cracked tooth.

They can be a bit of a problem to find though………
References :
I'm a dentist

By: bergy700

bergy700 — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:33:59 +0000

he or she will have you bite down on a plastic stick, It's called a tooth sleuth.somtimes they show on the x-ray or intra oral photos.
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former RDA

By: Quizard

Quizard — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:21:59 +0000

X-ray to confirm if the dentist suspects it is cracked
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By: steve guttenberg

steve guttenberg — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:43:59 +0000

Visual inspection and X-rays are the standard to determine any damage to a tooth. A damaged tooth may not cause immediate pain or result in immediate problems, but if it's left untreated, the tooth can develop into a more serious problem.
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By: KNOWALL

KNOWALL — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:59:59 +0000

He hits it with a hammer if it rings it's ok !
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By: nin

nin — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:48:59 +0000

x-ray and I have also had them touch the tooth with a splinter of ice...ouch!
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