[Research progress on the effect of root canal therapy on vertical root fracture]

Vertical root fracture (VRF) often occurs in endodontically treated teeth. Root canal therapy (RCT) requires removal of part of the dentin, which affects the microhardness and elastic modulus of dentine, induces dentin microcracks, and increases the risk of VRF. The early diagnosis of VRF is challenging and the prognosis is poor, due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations. This narrative review analyzes the incidence and related factors of VRF after RCT from the perspective of etiology, discusses the effect and mechanism of each step during RCT on the occurrence of VRF, and briefly summarizes the diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies of VRF, so as to reduce the occurrence of VRF and improve the prognosis of endodontically treated teeth.