Factors Analysis of the Two Most Common Fractures: Cracked Teeth vs. Vertical Root Fracture

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cracked tooth and vertical root fracture (VRF) are found to be the most commonly occurring longitudinal tooth fractures from the previous studies. The purpose of this study was to compare factors associated with cracked tooth and VRF.

METHODS: A total 172 (146 cracked teeth and 26 VRFs) were examined. The factors such as age, gender, tooth number, dental arch, restoration materials, cavity size, cavity classification, location and direction of crack line, and presence of previous root canal treatment were analyzed. The association elements between categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: Cracked tooth and VRF did not show significant difference in factors such as sex, age, tooth number. Probability of cracked tooth was higher in in order of tooth with no restoration, amalgam, and gold restoration teeth compared to VRF. Regarding the cavity classification, cracked tooth was more prevalent in teeth with class I and II restoration, and also in the restoration width greater than one third of the occlusal table. Highest percentage of cracked tooth occurred in the vital tooth with no previous endodontic treatment (116/125, 92.8 %). In contrast, VRF occurred more prevalent in root canal treated tooth (30/47, 63.8 %). Finally, teeth with no endodontic treatment showed significant increase in crack probability with increase in age.

CONCLUSION: Cracked tooth showed higher incidence in gold restoration in class I, II cavity or in naturally intact teeth. VRF with previous root canal treatment and crown restored tooth. It is critical to understand various factors related to cracked tooth and VRF for the more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.