Cusp Fractures and Their Impact on Dental Care Use: Status at 48 Months

Cusp fracture is a significant clinical condition that may affect individuals' decisions to seek dental treatment, and among those who seek care, ultimately impact dentists' treatment planning decisions. Objectives: Quantify: (1) the prevalence and incidence estimates (consecutive prevalence) of cusp fracture (C), and (2) the post-fracture sequelae of these events within the 48 mos time period. Methods: Data for this study are derived from the Florida Dental Care Study, a prospective longitudinal study of oral health and dental care (Gilbert et al, 1997) in adults aged >=45 yrs. Baseline data collection for this study commenced in 1993 with 873 participants (Ss), and 686 participated in the 48-mo. clinical examination. The Baseline and 48-month follow-up sessions included an in-person interview (e.g., demographic factors, oral/dental symptoms, health behaviors, etc) followed by a clinical dental examination. Results: At Baseline (BL), the prevalence of C was 14% for the total sample (c.f., 13.75% for those seen at 48 mos). At 48-mos, the prevalence was 12%. 31% of those with BL C had the teeth treated by 48 mos. 52% of persons with C in at least one tooth at 48 mos had C in at least one tooth at 24 mos. Of those examined at 48 mos, those with C were less likely to have seen a dentist during the 48 mos. follow-up (c²=8.4, p<.005). BL self-report of C was predictive of self-report at 24- & 48-mos (3:1). However, the clinical finding of C was neither predictive of subsequent finding nor self-report. Conclusions: The incidence of C is of a substantive magnitude and an important factor in dental care use. Supported by DE12457, DE11020, & DE14164