What You Will Learn

The goal of biomimetic dentistry is to conserve tooth structure and save teeth; we can achieve this by drawing on research from the field of engineering when considering the structural analysis of a tooth. Small cracks grow larger over time with micromovements, and complete removal, where possible, is recommended. Large cracks in teeth can lead to decay, sensitivity, root canal treatments and tooth loss, so understanding crack prevention and treatment through the lens of conservative dentistry can prevent invasive treatments.

In this lecture, Drs. David and Davey Alleman start with outlining how cracks form and how to identify them. The next step is treatment. Being able to gauge the severity of the crack, direction and risk it may pose to the root will guide your recommendations for the patient. When removing a crack, understanding the Peripheral Seal Zone and Central Stop Zone concepts allows doctors to treat cracks predictably without risking the vitality of the nerve.

Finally, restoring the tooth biomimetically, with a bond strength similar to that of a natural tooth, prevents future cracks from forming because the tooth bends and flexes like a natural tooth and the adhesive bonds prevent bacteria from entering under the restoration.

With systematic crack removal, clinicians will have the confidence to treat one of the most common pathologies in the field and see more predictable restorations as a result.

👉 Doctors will learn how to assess a tooth’s risk for cracks or other structural compromise
👉 Doctors will learn how to identify and remove cracks in a way that offers predictable outcomes that are asymptomatic and protect the tooth’s long-term vitality
👉 Doctors will learn biomimetic restorative dentistry can prevent future cracks in cases they treat