SP-38 There Are Cracks … and There Are Cracks – but What Is a Crack and What Do I Do About a Crack?

CE Hours: 1.5

Description: “Cracked teeth” is one of the most widely debated, disputed and misunderstood topics in dentistry. The confusion and misunderstandings stem largely from early work on cracks and the lack of a good definition of a crack. Many dentists are confused about cracks and fractures, and they use these terms interchangeably even though they represent different problems. The confusion and misunderstanding also stem from traditional approaches to dealing with cracks in teeth which has largely been a mechanical approach. Whilst cracks are a weakness in the tooth structure, they are also a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause pulp disease. Symptoms associated with cracks in teeth come from the pulp and therefore it is essential to diagnose the pulp status and then manage the bacterial aspect of cracks rather than just dealing with them as a mechanical problem. This lecture will define cracks, explore the effects of cracks on teeth and provide guidelines for the diagnosis and management of teeth with cracks – especially teeth with reversible pulpitis, which can be managed conservatively.

Learning Objectives:  

• Define cracks and fractures and differentiate between them.
• Explain that cracks are an etiology of various diseases, and not a disease or a syndrome.
• Outline the consequences of cracks in teeth.