Biting and thermal sensitivity relief of cracked tooth restored by occlusal veneer: A 12-to 24 months prospective clinical study.

TL;DR: Most patients became asymptomatic of biting and thermal sensitivity within 3 months of CT restored by occlusal veneer, suggesting lateral percussion and the number of crack lines through preparation on the finish line could be significant factors affecting postoperative symptoms.

Abstract: To analyze the relief time and risk factors of biting/thermal sensitivity in cracked tooth (CT) restored using occlusal veneer. 63 CT were analyzed, and their demographic and clinical data and medical history were collected. Patients were followed-up to examine the relief of thermal/biting sensitivity. The maxillary first molar was the most prevalent (N = 25, 40%). The number of crack lines on the finish line ranged from 1 to 6 while the number of crack lines through preparation on the finish line from 0 to 4. Pain relief achieved steadily to 52% for thermal and 62% for biting at 1 week to over 90% for each by 3 months and was completely resolved (no pain) for each by 12 months. Painful of lateral percussion was related to a long period of thermal sensitivity (≥1 month) after restoration with occlusal veneer. The number of crack lines through preparation on the finish line >2 was correlated with biting sensitivity (≥1 month) post-treatment. Most patients (>90%) became asymptomatic of biting and thermal sensitivity within 3 months of CT restored by occlusal veneer. Lateral percussion and the number of crack lines through preparation on the finish line could be significant factors affecting postoperative symptoms. Occlusal veneer is an ultrathin restoration and had no need for restricting clinical crown height, which could protect and relief the biting/thermal sensitivity of CT without preventive root canal therapy.