Saving Cracked Teeth: The Current State of Evidence

Area of Science:

• Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Traumatology

Background:

• Cracked teeth with radicular extensions historically had a poor prognosis, often leading to extraction.
• Treatment planning for cracked teeth requires careful consideration of multiple clinical parameters for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on cracked teeth, focusing on radicular extensions.
• To examine the findings of Davis and Shariff's 2019 study on a specific treatment protocol for cracked teeth with radicular extensions.
• To discuss optimized treatment modalities for improving outcomes in cracked teeth cases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cracked teeth, including endodontic and restorative considerations.
• Detailed examination of a 2019 study by Davis and Shariff evaluating a specific treatment protocol.
• Analysis of clinical parameters influencing treatment planning and prognosis.

Main Results:

• Recent literature suggests that cracked teeth with radicular extensions can be successfully treated.
• Davis and Shariff's 2019 study demonstrated a promising prognosis for these teeth when following a defined protocol.
• Careful case selection is crucial for optimizing treatment success.

Conclusions:

• Cracked teeth with radicular extensions may be salvageable with appropriate, selected treatment.
• The findings support a shift from routine extraction towards more conservative management.
• Further research into optimized treatment protocols can improve outcomes for cracked teeth.