Alveolar bone loss associated with vertical root fractures. Report of six cases

Six cases of vertical root fractures accompanied by vertical bone loss are presented. Possible causes for these fractures are suggested. Four vertical fractures probably resulted from the use of excessive pressure at the time of obturation of the canals. One vertical root fracture may have been caused by the cementation of a post, and another may have been caused by the cementation of an inlay in an endodontically treated tooth. All of the fractures resulted in alveolar bone loss to the apical extent of the fracture lines. The definitive treatment in each case was extraction of the tooth or root amputation. In one case successful treatment was accomplished by apically positioning the flap.