Frequency of Horizontal Crown Fracture in Endodontically Treated Posterior Teeth Restored with Amalgam

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of horizontal crown fracture in endodontically treated posterior teeth restored with
amalgam when compared to other restorative materials.

Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study.

Place and Duration of study: Operative Department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to
Dec 2019.

Methodology: Patients reporting to Operative Department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, were studied for the
frequency of horizontal crown fractured endodontically treated teeth restored with amalgam and other restorative materials. History, clinical examination, mobility and trans-illumination test were used to diagnose horizontal crown fracture. Fracture of one or more cusps of endodontically treated posterior teeth involving enamel and dentin was taken as Horizontal crown fracture.

Results: A high percentage of patients with amalgam restoration after endodontic treatment of posterior teeth experienced
horizontal crown fracture as compared to composite and glass ionomer cement. Out of 54 patients included in the study,
42(77.8%) patients were having amalgam restorations while 6(11.1%) patients were having composite and other 6(11.1%) were restored with glass ionomer cement material.

Conclusion: Patients with endodontically treated posterior teeth restored with amalgam presented with a high percentage of horizontal crown fracture as compared to other restorative materials and there is a need to provide full coverage restoration of endodontically treated tooth as soon as possible to enhance its survival.