Occlusal veneer can protect cracked teeth without preventive root canal therapy: Study

The authors evaluated the prognostic factors associated with pulp status in patients with cracked teeth (CT) treated with occlusal veneer. An analysis of 80 cracked teeth (71 patients) with 1 or more crack lines (CLs) and normal pulp vitality or reversible pulpitis was performed. All patients received occlusal veneer and their demographic and clinical data were recorded. Pulp status and clinical features were recorded at 1 week and posttreatment at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Results: Maxillary first molars were commonly involved (30 [38%]). The number of CLs on the finish line ranged from 1 through 7 and most had 3 CLs (24 [30%]). The number of CLs through preparation on the finish line ranged from 0 through 4, and 2 CLs (42 [53%]) were the most prevalent. During follow-up, 5 of 80 CT progressed to pulp disease, resulting in a success rate of 93.8%.

Results of the Cox model and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that probing depth greater than 6 mm, widening periodontal ligament of apical area, more than 4 CLs on finish line, and more than 2 CLs through preparation on the finish line were risk factors associated with pulp status (P < .05). Occlusal veneer can protect cracked teeth without preventive root canal therapy. The success rate and risk factors of pulp disease in cracked teeth restored with occlusal veneer are reported.

Reference:

Pu Y, Wang M, Hong Y, Bai J. Prognostic factors associated with pulp status in patients with cracked teeth treated with occlusal veneer: A 6- through 24-month prospective clinical study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2024 May;155(5):390-398.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2024.02.004. Epub 2024 Mar 27. PMID: 38530693.