Clinical treatments and prognosis about cracked tooth

Cracked tooth is a common type of tooth fracture with diverse symptoms, different treatment principles and unpredictable prognosis. The available remedies for immediate, intermediate and definitive managements include occlusal adjustment, orthodontic band, bonded composite resin, onlay, full crown and so on. For teeth with localized crack and vital pulp, bonded composite resin and onlay with cuspal coverage are also protective remedies besides traditional full-crown restoration. Once pulpal infection occurs, root canal therapy and full-crown restoration is indicated. Clinical determination should be made with comprehensive consideration of the location and depth of the crack, risk of extension and pulpal condition. This review will focus on the traits and prognosis of various therapy options, so as to provide evidence-based treatment planning of cracked tooth.