A Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevalence of Cracked Teeth Among an Adult Population in Nevada

OBJECTIVE: To identify the distribution and characteristics of cracked teeth in a Southern Nevada population attending the dental clinics of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (SDM, UNLV). METHODS: A retrospective keyword search of the clinical notes of SDM, UNLV patient charts in AxiUm™ was performed using the search terms “crack” and “fracture” to discern the number of patients that had clinically identifiable teeth with cracks, and which teeth (if any) had documented symptoms consistent with the cracks. The inclusion criteria for the record search were individuals ≥18 years old, seen at the dental clinic between 2010 and 2018. Demographic data were analyzed using a Chi-square test against the demographics for Clark County’s population. RESULTS: 893 patients presented with cracked teeth, of which 41% had documented symptoms. Patients in the 45-54 age range had the highest number of teeth with cracks (P<0.001). Males comprised 49% of the cases. Caucasians (58.9%) and African Americans (21.1%) represented a majority of the population with cracked teeth (P<0.0001). 1(st) and 2(nd) molars had the highest predilection for fractures (59.8%). CONCLUSION: Mandibular and maxillary first and second molars were amongst the highest teeth affected with cracks.