Cracked teeth and vertical root fractures

Thorough assessment of cracked teeth is needed to allow dentists to make the correct diagnosis and choice of treatment. An evidence-based protocol for the diagnosis and management of cracked teeth is presented. Various types of diagnostic criteria and treatment options are advocated and their relative merits are discussed. This article is designed to help dental practitioners to recognize incomplete fractures, distinguish between restorable and unrestorable cases, and follow a rational approach in deciding the treatment. Dentists should be aware of the classic and nonclassic symptoms of a cracked tooth, the methods used in formulating differential diagnoses, the criteria for determining pulpal status and restorability, and the consequences of incorrect diagnosis or treatment.