Diagnosis and possible causes of vertical root fractures

Thirty-two cases of vertical fractures were studied in an attempt to identify the causes and diagnostic signs normally present. In all of the patients except two, osseous defects were present and could be probed. The majortiy (65.63 percent) had only mild pain or a dull discomfort. Seventy-five percent showed diffuse widening of the periodontal ligament space. This study suggests that excessive force during lateral condensation of the gutta-percha caused 84.38 percent of the fractures. A secondary cause was the forcing or tapping of inlays or dowels into place. The majority (78.13 percent) of the patients were over the age of 40. In all but nine of the cases, treatment consisted of the extraction of the involved teeth.