Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Tooth Damage
Number of Conditions: 5
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
sharp pain when chewing; pain that comes and goes; sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods; difficulty pinpointing the source of pain
Root Cause:
A crack or fracture in a tooth that may not be visible but extends into the dentin or pulp, often caused by trauma, grinding, or biting hard objects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, bite tests, transillumination, and dental X-rays (though cracks may not always appear on X-rays).
Treatment:
Bonding or crowns to stabilize the tooth; root canal therapy if pulp is involved; extraction if the crack extends below the gum line.
Medications:
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ; antibiotics if infection develops.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Fairly common, particularly among individuals over 40 or those who grind their teeth.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Teeth grinding (bruxism), large fillings, trauma, and brittle teeth from aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the location and depth of the crack; shallow cracks can be treated successfully, while deep cracks may require extraction.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth loss, pulpitis, abscess formation, and further structural damage.
Fractured Teeth
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
visible crack or break in the tooth; pain when chewing; sensitivity to temperature or sweetness; swelling around the affected tooth
Root Cause:
Structural damage to the tooth caused by trauma, excessive force, or brittle enamel.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, dental X-rays, and testing for mobility or sensitivity.
Treatment:
Minor fractures can be smoothed or bonded; moderate fractures may require crowns; severe fractures might necessitate root canal therapy or extraction.
Medications:
Painkillers such as ibuprofen ; antibiotics if secondary infection occurs.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in people with habits like chewing hard objects or with untreated decay.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, bruxism, large restorations, and weakened teeth.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the extent of the fracture; minor fractures are highly treatable, while deep fractures may result in tooth loss.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, abscess formation, and loss of the tooth.
Tooth Erosion (Enamel Loss)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
increased sensitivity to temperature or acidic foods; teeth appear smooth, shiny, or yellowed; tooth edges become rounded; chipping of enamel
Root Cause:
Loss of tooth enamel due to chemical processes, such as acid exposure from diet or stomach acid in GERD.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation of enamel wear patterns and patient history of dietary or medical conditions.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes to reduce acid exposure; fluoride treatments or bonding to protect remaining enamel; crowns or veneers for severe cases.
Medications:
Fluoride varnishes, prescription toothpaste with high fluoride content.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, with varying prevalence depending on dietary and medical factors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High intake of acidic foods or beverages, GERD, eating disorders, and dry mouth.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early intervention; untreated erosion can lead to significant tooth damage and sensitivity.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased decay risk, and severe structural damage requiring extensive restoration.
Tooth Abrasion
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
notched areas near the gum line; sensitivity to brushing or temperature changes; visible enamel loss at specific sites
Root Cause:
Mechanical wear of enamel caused by improper brushing technique, use of hard-bristled brushes, or biting foreign objects.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination identifying characteristic wear patterns.
Treatment:
Adjusting brushing techniques, switching to softer toothbrushes, fluoride applications to strengthen enamel, or bonding for severe cases.
Medications:
Fluoride treatments or desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate toothpaste.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among individuals with poor brushing habits or occupational risks (e.g., holding objects in teeth).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aggressive brushing, use of abrasive toothpaste, and occupational habits.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with behavior modification and restorative treatment; long-term neglect can worsen the condition.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and progression to structural damage.
Tooth Attrition (Wear and Tear)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Dental Conditions
Sub-category: Tooth Damage
Symptoms:
flattened or shortened teeth; tooth sensitivity; difficulty chewing; exposure of dentin causing discoloration
Root Cause:
Loss of enamel and dentin due to tooth-to-tooth contact, often from grinding or clenching.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination showing characteristic wear patterns and patient history of bruxism or clenching.
Treatment:
Custom mouthguards to prevent grinding; bonding, crowns, or veneers for restoration; behavior therapy for stress-related bruxism.
Medications:
Muscle relaxants like diazepam (for bruxism); fluoride varnishes for enamel protection.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with bruxism; prevalence increases with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, bruxism, malocclusion, and aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with protective measures and restorative treatments; untreated attrition can lead to severe dental damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth sensitivity, increased decay risk, and eventual tooth loss in severe cases.