Dentists have been attempting to treat cracked teeth for decades, with the goal of alleviating patient pain and conserving teeth through restorative treatment. But as Dr. David Alleman, DDS, describes in this episode, “it’s a coin toss of success.” Methods such as retention to hold the crack together or bonding over the crack with adhesion are unpredictable. Sometimes the treatment works, and sometimes it doesn’t, leaving patients and practitioners frustrated.

The solution: treat cracked teeth like engineers have been treating cracks for over a century.

The challenge: applying these techniques to a biological environment and accounting for bacteria, dentin hydration and dental adhesives.

Dr. David Alleman, DDS, discusses the history and treatment protocols for predictable cracked tooth treatment in this episode of the Six Lessons Approach podcast.

Articles referenced in this episode:

Brannstrom M. The hydrodynamic theory of dentinal pain: sensation in preparations, caries, and the dentinal crack syndrome. Journal of Endodontics. 1986;12(10)-453-457
Gordon, J. E. The New Science of Strong Materials: Or, Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press, 2006.
Abbott P, Leow N. Predictable management of cracked teeth with reversible pulpitis. Australian Dent J. 2009; 54:306-315.

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