This lecture analyses the European Society of Endodontology's position statement (Patel et al., International Endodontic Journal, 2025) on longitudinal cracks and fractures, and compares it with the American Association of Endodontists' stance (2022).
In short: clinicians should know the importance, prevention and timely management of cracked teeth and vertical root fracture. Patients also have a role in limiting them.
Dr. Cortés Torres's comments
- Natural history of disease: timely identification and proper treatment are essential to extend the life of the affected tooth.
- Definitions: the lecture compares terms such as craze line (confined to enamel, without compromising the tooth), cracked tooth and fractured cusp.
- His book Grietas y fracturas longitudinales (2017, in Spanish) covers this topic and can be downloaded free.
The topic matters more as life expectancy and patient expectations rise. The lecture includes a learning assessment. If it hurts when you bite, see cracked tooth.