Clinical investigation of causes of vertical root fracture in pulpless teeth / 上海第二医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the cause of vertical root fracture in pulpless teeth, and advance the measures of prevention. Methods The clinical data of 20 vertical root fracture in pulpless teeth (17 patients) were collected. The status of the teeth and periodontium before therapy were reviewed, the position and direction of the root fracture were observed, the type and position of the restoration and the occludent station of the teeth were analyzed. Results It was revealed that vertical root fracture frequently occurred in the molars (16/20). Vertical root fracture were frequently found in front teeth(4/20) and premolars (5/20)among those with coronal integrity. Decrease of alveolar level of various degrees was found in 19 cases, among which 8 were mild, 7 moderate and 4 severe. Vertical root fracture mainly took place in molars after coronal restoration (6/7). Vertical root fracture would likely to occur no matter whether they would be worked as the abutment teeth of the removable partial denture or fixed prostheses. Early contact occurred in lateral bite (6 cases) was more susceptible to vertical root fracture than that occurred in centric bite (1 case). Conclusion The causes of vertical root fracture in pulpless teeth are complicated. Due to unfavorable outcomes, it is important to take precautions for vertical root fracture.