Occlusal Effect Caries: Caries Caused by Cracks Into Dentin

Treating cracks in teeth can still feel ambiguous for many dentists. Is it better to observe? Is it better to crown? Is there a less invasive treatment option? In this episode, Dr. David Alleman discusses a key piece of research that offers practitioners more insight into crack diagnosis and treatment: cracks that cause decay. Occlusal effect caries is a carious lesion that forms from cracks that extend into dentin, creating a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth. These cracks, called peri...