Fractured and Cracked Teeth: A Historical Lens Across 140 years with Contemporary Reflections

The occurrence of fractured or split teeth, particularly in the posterior region, has posed a dilemma for the dental profession for over a century, due to observational and diagnostic challenges, and treatments available. Often the patient presented with either vague symptomatology and minimal signs, or it was quite obvious as to the problem at hand. In the former case, the dentist could not discern the etiology or determine a diagnosis, therefore, no treatment or minimal intervention was rendered; while in the latter, extraction was deemed the only recourse. Historically, little is known about these challenges, and many factors that impacted on this finding were never considered during the assessment of the patient's problem. Coupled with the lack of literature on this issue for decades, only in the last 60 years have the salient ramifications of the observational and clinical diagnostic challenges with fractured teeth or split roots been brought to light. This paper traces that evolution, highlighting how historical challenges shape current diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.