Sometimes it seems as if one tooth is the culprit when it is really another. Signs and symptoms can be vague. In the process of reaching a diagnosis, several possibilities are considered. This is called a differential diagnosis. Different tests and approaches are then taken to determine the definitive diagnosis.
Treatment begins after a definitive diagnosis is made.
In some cases, a very conservative treatment is performed to help narrow down the problem. Sometimes you can actually see fracture lines in the teeth and sometimes you cannot. Even if testing does not reveal the presence of a crack, the symptoms of cold and pressure sensitivity are usually a good indication that a small crack is present. Most of the time, placing a crown on the tooth is enough to alleviate these symptoms. Occasionally, either because the crack is deep into the tooth or the nerve is too irritated and inflamed, a root canal also becomes necessary to relieve the symptoms.