Abstract
This study highlighted the characteristics and distribution of cracked tooth syndrome
(CTS) and the associated factors in adult attendees in the University of Nigeria Teaching
Hospital. Three hundred seventy patients aged 18 years to 77 years with CTS-like conditions
were included and studied over 12 months. The following information was recorded:
suspected tooth and the dental arch, restorative status of the tooth, age and sex
of the patient, results of bite test and transillumination, and the pulpal and periapical
status of the tooth. CTS was seen most often in the 41 to 50 years age band (36.4%),
in molars (63.6%), and in the maxillary arch (51.5%). Also, it was more frequent in
men (55.8%). About 82% of CTS occurred in amalgam-restored teeth. All cases had a
positive response to the bite test and a normal response to the electric pulp test.
Only 10% gave a positive history of masticatory accident as against none with history
of bruxism habits. It was concluded that patients with unexplained pain in a vital,
amalgam-restored tooth (especially in maxillary molars), with or without a history
of a masticatory accident, may have a cracked or fractured tooth.
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© 2009 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
