Objectives: Cracked teeth are common, with studies showing that about 9.7% of teeth have cracks. However, few studies assess the long-term success of nonsurgical root canal therapy for cracked teeth. The purpose of this retrospective and prospective in vivo cohort study is to evaluate the outcomes of endodontically treated cracked teeth and identify prognostic factors that affect outcomes.
Methods: Eligible participants with cracked teeth, diagnosed via direct visualization, methylene blue dye, and/or transillumination, and requiring non-surgical root canal treatment, were invited to enroll in the study, targeting 250 subjects. Demographics, clinical symptoms, and treatment protocols were recorded. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups occurred annually for up to five years. Radiographs were assessed by three board-certified endodontists using a modified PAI scoring system (1-5). Treatment success was determined based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Data were analyzed using R statistical software.
Results: As of 2024, this ongoing study has enrolled 183 participants, with males and second molars being the most commonly affected. At the one-year follow-up, the healing, functionality, and survival rates were 66%, 79%, and 92%, respectively. At the five-year mark, these rates were 68%, 76%, and 79%. Key prognostic factors influencing outcomes included the absence of an intracanal post and the presence of a full-coverage restoration.
Conclusion: An interim analysis of data collected between December 2022 and November 2023 showed a healing rate of 66% for cracked teeth requiring NSRCT, indicating a favorable prognosis. Therefore, maintaining cracked teeth with nonsurgical root canal therapy is considered a valid treatment option.
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