Some seemingly minor dental complaints, may eventually result in more serious problems. As such, when a patient presents with a chipped or cracked tooth, it’s important to assess it carefully, and treat it appropriately, to prevent it from worsening. The prevalence of cracked teeth in adults is high – with a study suggesting 70% of patients presented with visible cracks in at least one posterior tooth.[i] As such, it’s important to be familiar with different types of cracks, their severity, and when it’s best to treat endodontically or refer.
Cracked teeth – when is endodontic treatment appropriate?
Research suggests that, while rates of cracked teeth were already high, they worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic in both the UK and US – most likely as a result of increased anxiety and sleep disturbances, leading to bruxism and excess forces on the teeth.[ii] Cracked teeth are likely to display a variety of symptoms, so performing a number of pressure and temperature tests, in addition to imaging, is useful when locating the source of any pain and sensitivity. There are a number of different types of cracks. These include craze lines, fractured cusps, cracked teeth, split teeth, and vertical root fractures.[iii] Cracked teeth are the most common, with about 20% symptomatic.[iv]
Sometimes, cracks are preventable, if patients avoid chewing hard foods/objects, don’t clench/grind their teeth, and wear a mouthguard during sports.[v] However, should a crack appear, it may be treatable through restorative or endodontic treatment, depending on the severity and extent of the damage to the tooth structure and pulp.[vi]
Continuing education to stay up to date
In order to keep your knowledge of the appropriate treatments for common dental complaints up to scratch, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest research, techniques, and technologies by attending educational events such as the IFEA World Endodontic Congress (WEC) 11th – 14th September 2024, organised by the British Endodontic Society (BES). The WEC provides a fantastic opportunity for endodontists, and those with an interest in the field, to come together and learn from world-renowned experts from across the globe. As part of the educational programme, a number of speakers are presenting sessions around the subject of trauma. This includes two presentations directly related to dental fractures including “Root Fractures: From Diagnosis to Clinical Treatment” presented by Dr Montserrat Mercadé Bellido and “Decoding Root Fractures: Integrating Clinical Perspectives and Advanced Research in Contemporary Exploration and Treatment Modalities” presented by Dr Wan-Chuen Liao.
Attendees can expect to hear from Daniel Černy, Elisabetta Cotti, Adham Abdel Azim, Phil Tomson, and Paul Lambrechts, to name a few, with representatives from different countries sharing their knowledge. Delegates can enjoy an enriching educational programme, discussing cutting-edge techniques in endodontology, and how they might apply them in their practice.
Building referral networks for the best care
Not only that, but the WEC is the ideal place to network on a global scale. With over 2,000 delegates expected to attend from around the world, what better way is there to expand your referral network and meet with likeminded colleagues?
The social calendar will not disappoint either – this is a great excuse to immerse yourself in Scottish culture for the weekend. Attendees can expect a Welcome Reception held at the Glasgow Science Centre, a Ceilidh at the Merchant Square, and a Congress Dinner taking place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with friends and colleagues and really make the most of your time in Scotland.
IFEA WEC 24 – Join us in Glasgow!
Those who wish to attend the IFEA WEC should register as soon as possible to ensure they secure the best rates – https://ifea2024glasgow.com/registration-2/. Additionally, the event is partnered with the Glasgow Convention Bureau, who have worked to make sourcing accommodation as easy and convenient as possible –https://ifea2024glasgow.com/accommodation/.
Whether you’re an experienced endodontist, looking to meet with colleagues, or are new to the field and want to find out more, IFEA WEC 2024 is the ideal event for you. In order to keep providing patients with the highest standards of care, and save every tooth possible, continuing your education is essential. The BES encourages high-quality education for everyone, and looks to support its members in any way it can.
Register today for IFEA WEC 2024 at ifea2024glasgow.com/registration
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.ukor call 07762945847
[i] Kakka A, Gavriil D, Whitworth J. Treatment of cracked teeth: A comprehensive narrative review. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2022 Oct;8(5):1218-1248. doi: 10.1002/cre2.617. Epub 2022 Jul 9. PMID: 35809233; PMCID: PMC9562569. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9562569/
[ii] Nocini R, Lippi G, Mattiuzzi C. Increased burden of cracked teeth in US and UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from an infodemiological analysis. J Dent Sci. 2023 Jul;18(3):1398-1399. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.01.013. Epub 2023 Jan 23. PMID: 36712598; PMCID: PMC9868358. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9868358/
[iii] American Association of Endodontists. Cracked Teeth. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
[iv] Kakka A, Gavriil D, Whitworth J. Treatment of cracked teeth: A comprehensive narrative review. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2022 Oct;8(5):1218-1248. doi: 10.1002/cre2.617. Epub 2022 Jul 9. PMID: 35809233; PMCID: PMC9562569. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9562569/
[v] American Association of Endodontists. Cracked Teeth. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
[vi] American Association of Endodontists. Cracked Teeth. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
