Biomechanics of fractures in endodontically treated teeth

A tooth serves as a mechanical device for masticating food. An intact natural tooth experiences flexing or bending during the chewing process. Dentin is the major mineralized tissue in a tooth and offers an optimized mechanical integrity for the tooth. The dentin structure and composition is the key to distributing functional stresses/strains from the tooth to the surrounding bone. Fractures of endodontically treated teeth are not an uncommon occurrence in clinical practice. Many iatrogenic and non‐iatrogenic factors have been cited to be responsible for the compromised resistance to fracture in restored endodontically treated teeth. This article reviews the biomechanical considerations in intact and endodontically treated teeth. The biomechanical principles underlying the occurrence of cracked tooth and vertical root fracture are also reviewed.