message board Treatment for Cracks on Distals of Second Molars? Townies discuss the best way to treatment-plan cracked teeth and how best to discuss treatment with patients DDS555 Member Since: 10/24/13 Post: 1 of 80 I'm just curious to see what everyone treatment-plans when they see cracks along the distals of the lower second molars: leave, a DO restoration or crown? Here is an example that I saw today. 36-year-old male. Shallow resins present on #18 and #31, but cracks noted on the distal of the occlusal and running down the distal surface to the gingiva. Here are some photos and X-rays. What would you all recommend here? I tend to be conservative, but I don't want to ignore an issue that could cause big problems like future RCT or even extraction. ■ 1/24/2022 blindmelon00 Member Since: 03/17/11 Post: 2 of 80 Great question! In my early days as a clinician, I would do DO composites combined with occlusal guard therapy, with mixed results at best. Now it is occlusal guard therapy with gold onlay or even full-coverage crown. The second best option is to do nothing. These specifi c cracks on these specifi c teeth are not good fi lling candidates. ■ 1/24/2022 tjdentist Member Since: 04/28/02 Post: 3 of 80 moptop Member Since: 03/11/10 Post: 4 of 80 I would do full coverage. Those often lead to root canals or extraction. I believe the lower second molar is the most frequently extracted tooth because of root fracture. ■ Full coverage is the best option. Sometimes it's hard to get the patient on board when they are asymptomatic and the tooth has never been restored and is decay-free. ■ 1/24/2022 1/24/2022 30 MARCH 2022 // dentaltown.comhttps://www.dentaltown.com/messageboard/thread.aspx?s=2&f=216&t=362973&g=1 http://www.dentaltown.com