Outcome of Endodontically Treated Cracked Teeth
Abstract
A "cracked tooth" is defined as a thin surface enamel and dentin disruption of unknown depth, and is often associated with discomfort during mastication. In the presence of pulpal/apical disease, these teeth require non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT). However, there is limited information regarding endodontic outcomes of cracked teeth. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this continuing in-vivo, observational study was to determine the outcome of cracked teeth requiring initial NSRCT. A secondary objective was to determine factors that affect the outcome. METHOD: Subjects meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) Endodontics Department. Standardized data collection forms were used to record subject demographics, diagnostic methods, tooth characteristics, treatment information, and clinical features of the cracked tooth. Subjects were asked to return annually for a follow-up clinical and radiographic examination a minimum of 12 months after treatment. The endodontic outcome was determined using combined clinical and radiographic data collected from the treatment and follow-up appointment. Healed was defined as the lack of clinical symptoms and radiographic lesions; functional was defined as a lack of clinical symptoms only. RESULTS: 15 teeth were analyzed for this interim analysis. Follow-up examination times ranged from 12 to 47 months, with a median of 16.2 months. Five teeth were radiographically verified as extracted, resulting in a survivability of 67%. For the remaining 10 teeth, 78% were healed and 90% were functional. 93% of cracked teeth requiring NSRCT were previously restored, and 60% were mandibular molars. CONCLUSION: An interim analysis of this retrospective outcome study revealed cracked teeth that required non-surgical root canal therapy had a favorable outcome and may be treated predictably.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1036692
Entities
People
- David M Dow Ii
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences