Mw. Heft et al., Restoration fractures, cusp fractures and root fragments in a diverse sample of adults: 24-month incidence, J AM DENT A, 131(10), 2000, pp. 1459-1464
Background. There are few reports in the literature regarding estimates of
the occurrence of tooth fractures. Most studies have assessed tooth fractur
es in people seeking dental care, which may underestimate the incidence of
the problem.
Methods. This study sought to estimate the incidence and prevalence of cusp
and restoration fractures, as well as root fragments in participants in th
e Florida Dental Care Study, a diverse representative sample of community-d
welling residents of four north Florida counties made up of people who seek
dental care regularly and those who do not. Participants received a dental
examination and an in-person interview at baseline and at a 24-month follo
w-up session.
Results. At least 20 percent of the participants were diagnosed as having b
ulk restoration fractures, cusp fractures or root fragments at the baseline
visit. At the 24-month follow-up session, 26 percent of the participants h
ad at least one new occurrence of these problems. Of those subjects present
ing with tooth fracture, 25 percent had multiple teeth affected. African-Am
ericans and people who sought care on a problem-oriented basis experienced
twice the rate of cusp fracture and a higher rate of root fragments as did
those who sought care on a regular basis. These data represent consecutive
prevalence estimates rather than the true incidence, in that fractures that
occurred after baseline may have been treated in the intervening 24 months
. Thus, these data represent "lower-bound" incidence estimates.
Conclusions, These results suggest that restoration fractures, cusp fractur
es and root fragments are a significant dental health problem, and that sel
ected segments of the population are at greater risk of developing these pr
oblems.
Clinical Implications, These data are useful for dentists in understanding
the magnitude of the problem and the potential progression of fractures and
root fragments.