Detection of vertical root fractures in non-endodontically treated molars using cone-beam computed tomography: a report of four representative cases.

Abstract

Vertical root fractures (VRFs) in teeth without endodontic treatment are relatively uncommon. The diagnosis is based on clinical and radiographic presentations. It might be difficult to detect VRFs in non-endodontically treated molars by conventional radiographs in certain situations because of the limitations of 2D images and many others factors such as the VRFs being in their early stages. Root morphology variation and the orientation of VRFs can influence conventional radiographic detection and the interpretation of a radiolucent fracture line. The four case reports presented here describe and discuss the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in successfully diagnosing VRFs based on direct visualization of radiolucent lines, especially those suspected from routine conventional radiographs, as well as their symptoms and clinical findings. CBCT also provides more information on the presence of VRFs.