Vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth: diagnostic signs and clinical management

Abstract

A most frustrating complication to root canal therapy is vertical root fracture (VRF) in an endodontically treated tooth. Prognosis most often is hopeless and differential diagnosis from other pathoses may be difficult at times. Nevertheless, proper diagnosis is critical to distinguish a fracture complication from clinical manifestations of periodontal and endodontic diseases. This review emphasizes the importance of the correct diagnosis of VRF, describes the more typical clinical and radiographic features of this disorder, and summarizes its prevalence and multifactorial etiology.