Root fractures: epidemiological, clinical and radiographic aspects

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Chronic root fractures present diagnostic challenges in vital and endodontically treated teeth.
• Two primary clinical forms exist: crown-root and vertical root fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the prevalence of root-fractured extracted teeth in oral rehabilitation and endodontics clinics.
• Analyze fracture types, tooth vitality, and restoration status in extracted teeth.
• Investigate demographic differences in root fracture prevalence between clinics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study over five years.
• Analysis of extracted teeth and reasons for extraction.
• Data collection on fracture type, tooth vitality, and restoration for root-fractured teeth.

Main Results:

• Overall prevalence of root-fractured extracted teeth was 17.93%.
• Maxillary premolars and mandibular molars were most frequently extracted due to root fractures.
• Teeth with prosthetic restorations or root canal treatment showed higher extraction rates for root fractures.

Conclusions:

• Root fractures represent a significant cause of tooth extraction, particularly in teeth with existing restorations or endodontic treatment.
• Prevalence and demographic patterns (gender differences) varied between the oral rehabilitation and endodontics clinics.