Multi-rooted teeth are frequently split to make it easier to remove roots.
    This depends very much on the particular shape and configuration of the
tooth, but having a molar that is decayed under the gumline, there is a
good chance this will be necessary.
    Some dentists will of course be more likely to split a tooth than
others--there is a good bit of personal preference involved here.

Steve

Why may dentists sometimes "split or crack" a tooth during an
extraction? A
friend recently had a wisdom tooth out and told me that he felt sure
the tooth
was split in some way (intentionally, by the dentist), before being
extracted.

The reason I ask this is because I have to have a molar tooth out soon.
It has
proved problematical as is decayed below the gum. My dentist has said
there is a
possibility it may break off during extraction (goodness knows what
will happen
to me then  or what may have to be done). Needless to say I'm not
looking
forward to it! Anyway, I was wondering why the "split" option wasn't
considered
in this case. (assuming such exists that is).

As an unrelated follow-up, are a patients dental records avaialable to
the
patient upon request (I'm in the UK)

Thanks
______________________________

Dear Dave,

Here in the USA, it is common for a dentist to advise a patient that
ANY tooth may fracture upon extraction, just as a way of advising the
patient that a small percentage of cases may involve complications.

In fact, every oral surgeon that I know, requires that every patient
sign an "informed consent" form that lists about every imaginable
possible complication that has every occurred to anyone since the
beginning of time. This is an unfortunate but common procedure in
today's overbearing legal climate.

In the actual operation of tooth removal, a dentist will split or
separate a tooth into smaller portions if he judges that to be the best
means of removal.

As far as dental record availability goes, I don't know about UK laws.
In my jurisdiction in the USA, patients are entitled to copies of their
dental records -- but they can be charged for the costs of copying.

Best regards,
- dentaldoc