Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation of spontaneously healed root fracture

Dental trauma can lead to injuries in teeth and their supporting structures, which occurs most commonly in young patients and varies in severity from enamel fractures to avulsions. Root fractures are relatively uncommon among dental traumas, mostly affecting the permanent dentition. It has been reported that root fractures can undergo healing, whereas pulp necrosis can also occur.

In this report, we present a case of the utilization of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the detection of possible cervical or internal resorption secondary to a mid-horizontal fracture in a 36-year-old male patient. The fractured teeth spontaneously healed and were diagnosed radiographically after 28 years. Initially, conventional radiographs showed fractured fragments with radiolucent lines. Because of possible invasive cervical resorption and doubt over internal resorption in the conventional images, it was decided to examine the teeth with cone-beam computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstructions.

The images clearly showed the displaced fragments of the root fracture. Despite the appearance in the conventional radiograph, no evidence of cervical or internal resorption was detected in the teeth other than the healed root fracture.

It was concluded that CBCT images should be obtained for root fractures, especially those in which cervical or internal resorption is suspected from routine conventional radiographs.