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Development and validation of a method for creating incomplete vertical root fracture in extracted teeth
Luiz Carlos de Lima Dias-Junior1, Marcio Corrêa1, Cleonice da Silveira Teixeira1
1Department of Dentistry-Endodontics Division, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Researchers developed a reproducible method to create incomplete vertical root fractures in extracted human teeth. This technique mimics clinical fractures, aiding the evaluation of diagnostic imaging methods for vertical root fractures.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Biomaterials science
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Vertical root fractures (VRFs) are a significant cause of tooth loss.
- Accurate diagnosis of VRFs is challenging, necessitating reliable laboratory models.
- Existing methods for inducing VRFs may not fully replicate clinical scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a standardized and reproducible laboratory method for inducing incomplete vertical root fractures in human teeth.
- To create a model that accurately mimics the characteristics of clinical VRFs.
- To facilitate the evaluation of various diagnostic imaging techniques for VRF detection.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared and embedded in resin.
- A customized conical wedge was used to induce fractures within the root canal under controlled force.
- Fracture characteristics, including pattern, surfaces, and gap width, were analyzed under magnification.
Main Results:
- The protocol successfully induced incomplete vertical root fractures in all specimens.
- The induced fractures exhibited characteristics similar to clinical VRFs.
- Mean fracture gap width was measured at 34.9 μm, with all fractures <100 μm.
Conclusions:
- The developed method is effective, reproducible, and minimizes bias in laboratory studies.
- This technique provides a valuable tool for research on diagnostic imaging of vertical root fractures.
- The model closely replicates the clinical presentation of incomplete vertical root fractures.
