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Winter 2023 - (Volume 12, Issue 1) |
Introduction
I hope everyone is having a happy start of their new year! In this edition, we have a very interesting study about the prevalence of cracked teeth in the coronavirus era. This article provides actual data for something that we’ve all probably noticed in our private practices – namely that patients seem to be cracking their teeth more! Although they don’t evaluate the cause of the cracks, such as if it due to increased stress and bruxism, or due to their decision to delay care early in the pandemic, this study could provide valuable evidence to share with a patient who is debating on whether to move forward with your recommendation for a crown on a tooth that is starting to show signs of cracking.
Nosrat A, Yu P, Verma P, Dianat O, Wu D, Fouad AF. Was the Coronavirus Desease 2019 Pandemic Associated with an Increased Rate of Cracked Teeth? J Endod 2022;48:1241-47.
This retrospective clinical study evaluated the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the rate of cracks and other etiological factors of endodontic disease. The authors evaluated the etiologies of the patient’s chief complaint from 2440 teeth seen from the time period March 16th to May 31st in 2019 (pre-COVID era), 2020 (COVID initial outbreak), or 2021 (COVID ongoing pandemic). They found that the rate of cracks significantly increased in 2020 (11.8%) and 2021 (8%), compared to pre-pandemic 2019 (4.3%). In addition the proportion of teeth with persistent infection was significantly lower in 2020 (22.3%) compared to 2019 (30%) or 2021 (27.5%). Cracks were more frequently associated with age groups 40-60 year and >60 years, and with male sex.
SUMMARY: Cracked teeth are more frequently observed in endodontic practice during the coronavirus pandemic compared with pre-COVID times.
Endodontic Spotlight is published quarterly by Steven C. Kwan, D.D.S., M.S.D.
KWAN ENDODONTICS is located at 6715 Fort Dent Way, Tukwila WA 98188
206-248-3330; 206-431-1158 (fax); www.seattle-endodontics.com
To subscribe or unsubscribe from this publication, email endodonticspotlight@gmail.com.
This publication may not be reproduced without written permission.
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