Vertical root fracture: a case report and review of the literature

Aim: Vertical root fracture is one of the most complicated conditions in dental practice as the diagnosis of such cases is challenging. Many etiological factors contribute to vertical root fracture including excessive masticatory force and iatrogenic dental procedures. The treatment options can vary from whole tooth extraction to saving the tooth with certain conservative approaches. The evaluation of the surrounding periodontal tissue and the supporting alveolar bone is essential to determine the prognosis of the tooth. The aim of this article is to report an interesting case of vertical root fracture and review how to diagnose and treat vertical root fracture. Methodology: The Patient was diagnosed with vertical root fracture related to lower right second molar. The fracture line extended from the top of the clinical crown to the apex of the root making the prognosis very poor. Results: The treatment involved the extraction of the tooth and scheduling of the patient for prosthetic rehabilitation. As a result, tooth extraction can be considered as the treatment of choice for vertical root fracture especially in posterior teeth. Conclusion: The combination of comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination is essential to diagnose vertical root fracture. The effectiveness of different treatment options should be evaluated with long-term follow up. Treatment plan need to be discussed with the patient as part of evidence base practice.