In the era of modern dentistry we are seeing ageing patients retaining a heavily restored dentition for longer. Bruxism is a common outcome due to the ever increasing stresses of a fast paced life. These and many other factors result in cracks forming within teeth.

The general dental practitioner is often required to diagnose, restore and maintain a tooth or teeth that have been cracked.

This one-day multidisciplinary lecture will discuss the diagnosis and management of this often complex clinical situation as well as outcomes that can be expected and how to best to inform patients.

The lecture will be a case based discussion delivering information relevant to treatment planning and restoration of these teeth that is immediately translatable to a general dental clinical setting.

Topics include

Etiology and types of cracks

Diagnosis:

• History taking.
• Clinical signs and symptoms of cracks.
• Clinical Examination.
• Radiographic examination and findings including 3D imaging.
• Use of illumination and magnification.

Endodontic considerations

• The response of the pulp to cracks.
• Bacterial ingress and crack propagation.
• Minimal access and conservation of tooth structure.

Restorative considerations

• Modern restorative philosophies for restoring cracked teeth.
• Restorative techniques and trouble shooting.

Prognosis/Outcomes