Characteristics of cracks in posterior teeth and factors associated with symptoms: a cross-sectional practice-based observational study.

Background: Cracks in teeth are the third most common reason for tooth loss. The primary aim of this study was to identify the patient-specific and tooth-specific characteristics of individuals who presented to a private general dental practice with cracked posterior teeth. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between the above characteristics and investigate their influence on signs and symptoms.

Materials and methods: A total of 147 records were analysed in terms of patient-specific, tooth-specific and crack-specific characteristics. Initial data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Stepwise logistic regression was used for model building, and further data analysis was performed using binomial and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: Most cracked teeth were asymptomatic (55.1%) and were not visible before removal of restoration. Unrestored marginal ridges (OR2.89), cracks visible before restoration removal (OR3.04) and cracks involving both the body and cusps of teeth (OR3.11) were associated with cold sensitivity. Not all cracked teeth were positive for the bite test. Molar teeth (OR8.79) and those with amalgam restoration (OR4.81) were associated with intersecting cracks.

Conclusion: The presentation of teeth with cracks in general dental practice seems to differ from that reported in the literature from specialist practice.