The diagnostic challenge of vertical root fracture in endodontically treated teeth: A case report

Authors

  • Pollyanna Queiroz Freitas Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA
  • Paulo Maria Santos Rabêlo-Júnior Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA
  • Claúdia Maria Coelho Alves Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA
  • Soraia de Fatima Carvalho Souza Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA

Keywords:

Diagnosis, Endodontics, vertical root fracture

Abstract

Purpose: To present the diagnostic challenge of a clinical case of vertical root fracture (VRF) in an endodontically treated mandibular left lateral incisor. Case Description: At 16 months after endodontic treatment, a 60-year-old female patient reported pain during mastication. Clinically, she presented with an active distolingual fistula and a probing depth of 9 mm on the distal aspect of tooth 32. A radiographic examination indicated pear-shaped distal bone loss. The fistula was mapped, which confirmed that the lesion had a periodontal origin. A diagnostic hypothesis of a VRF was established. Exploratory surgery revealed the VRF on the distolingual aspect of the root without separation of the root fragments. Conclusion: Knowledge of the diagnostic aspects and the correct interpretation of radiographic images was enough to establish the diagnostic hypothesis of a VRF. However, the conclusive diagnosis was only confirmed during exploratory surgery.

Author Biographies

Pollyanna Queiroz Freitas, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA

Graduate student School of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão

Paulo Maria Santos Rabêlo-Júnior, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA

Associate professor Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão,

Claúdia Maria Coelho Alves, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA

Associate Professor Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão

Soraia de Fatima Carvalho Souza, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA

Associate Professor Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Maranhão,

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Published

2012-01-31

Issue

Section

Case Report