Preexisting Dentinal Microcracks in Nonendodontically Treated Teeth: An Ex Vivo Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Biology
• Dental Imaging

Background:

• Preexisting dentinal microcracks in teeth can affect treatment outcomes.
• Understanding their prevalence and characteristics is crucial for dental diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence, location, and pattern of preexisting dentinal microcracks in nonendodontically treated teeth.
• To compare these features between different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Micro-computed tomographic imaging was used to analyze 633 extracted teeth.
• Teeth were categorized into age groups (20-39 and 40-70 years).
• Prevalence, location, extent, length, and distribution of microcracks were assessed.

Main Results:

• A 7.1% prevalence of root microcracks was observed.
• Older patients (40-70 years) showed a higher prevalence (8.3%) than younger patients (3.7%).
• Mandibular teeth (10.3%) had significantly more microcracks than maxillary teeth (2.9%).
• Cracks were predominantly mesiodistally oriented in the cervical and middle thirds.
• Incomplete cracks were more frequent (67%) and shorter (3.75 mm) than complete cracks (6.9 mm).

Conclusions:

• Preexisting dentinal microcracks are more prevalent in older individuals and mandibular teeth.
• These root defects typically occur in the cervical and middle thirds and are often incomplete.
• Micro-CT imaging is effective for detecting and characterizing these microcracks.