Cracked teeth: a review of the literature

Abstract

Although cracked teeth are a common problem for patients and dentists, there is a dearth of evidence-based guidelines on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cracks in teeth. The purpose of this article is to review the literature to establish what evidence exists regarding the risk factors for cracked teeth and their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Figure 1

A, Occlusal view of tooth #3 with vertical fractures extending from a defective amalgam restoration over the mesial marginal ridge and down the mid-facial surface. B, Facial aspect of the same tooth demonstrating incomplete tooth fracture extending vertically from the occlusal surface approximately 2/3 the distance to the cementoenamel junction before proceeding in a mesial direction.