Review of Approaches to the Management of Vertical Dental Root Fractures and Tooth Preservation.

A vertical root fracture (VRF) is a complex condition in which the fracture lines can be partial or complete and extend along the long axis of the tooth. Considering the nature of the damage and the low likelihood of a successful outcome, such fractures can be difficult to manage. Their management typically involves complex endodontic or surgical procedures, which can be technically challenging for general dentists. Recent advancements introduce promising techniques, such as intentional replantation, adhesive methodologies, and regenerative procedures, showcasing potential in salvaging teeth affected by VRFs. Nonetheless, the imprecise nature of symptoms necessitates meticulous case evaluation by clinicians. Comprehensive patient counseling regarding diverse treatment options and potential ramifications remains crucial to preserving the affected tooth. Preserving a vertically fractured tooth aids in improving both function and aesthetics while safeguarding the arch's integrity by maintaining the height of the alveolar bone. It is important to note that the success of the treatment procedures depends on the extent and location of the fracture, the condition of the tooth and fragment, and the skill of the dental professional performing the treatment. This review highlights the complexity of VRF management, emphasizing the necessity for precise evaluation, patient education, and the exploration of innovative techniques. It aims to review the treatment of VRFs, ranging from classical to contemporary methods, with a focus on tooth preservation. The establishment of standardized protocols and conduct of further research to ascertain long-term efficacy are imperative in optimizing outcomes and retaining natural dentition in cases of VRFs.

Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Occurrence of Vertical Root Fracture: A Case Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the occurrence of VRFs. The crack extension, dentin sclerosis, and chemical characteristics of root dentin in teeth with VRF from patients with/without DM were also compared. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two patients diagnosed with VRF in crowned root filled posterior teeth were selected. The study was conducted in 2 parts. In Part-1: The cases were matched with control teeth (1:1) for age (±5 years), sex, tooth type, apical extent of root filling, time period after root filling to a diagnosis of VRF, presence or absence of intracanal post and abutment status. The presence or absence of type 2 DM (HbA1c > 6.5) was recorded. In Part-2: The extracted teeth with VRF from the case control study were used to evaluate the extension of VRF, presence of sclerotic dentin and isthmus using a microscopic analysis; while the levels of pentosidine, collagen cross-linking ratio and mineral-collagen ratio were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The distribution of DM between cases and controls was analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square test and Odds Ratio estimated. Chemical composition data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. The extent of sclerotic dentin was analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square test. RESULTS: When compared to patients without DM, patients with DM had 2.67 (95% CI: 1.6-4.45) folds higher odds for occurrence of VRF. Pentosidine (P = .014), collagen cross-linking ratio(P = .047), mineral-collagen ratio (P = .009) and sclerotic dentin extent (P = .0009) were significantly higher in patients with DM and VRF. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 DM was more often associated with VRFs in root canal treated teeth with crowns. Root dentin from patients with type 2 DM and VRF had higher levels of pentosidine, collagen cross-linking ratio, mineral to collagen ratio and sclerotic dentin.

Dental trauma: assessment and acute management of fractures.

Acute dental trauma is unscheduled and presents infrequently to the majority of practitioners. Therefore, a consistent, logical and systematic process for examination, prioritisation and management is imperative for all sustained injuries to have an optimal outcome. Fractures are a frequent sequela to dental trauma and can involve any aspect of the tooth structure or supporting alveolar bone. While some minor crown fractures may initially seem inconsequential, they may be a subtle indication to a more serious underlying root fracture. Concomitant injuries and injuries that have been initially missed are generally associated with poorer outcomes. The time sensitive management of traumatic dental injuries aims to preserve pulpal and periodontal health where possible. The follow up period for tooth or alveolar fractures are important to allow for early intervention if pathology develops.

Risk Factors for and Clinical Presentations Indicative of Vertical Root Fracture in Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify specific clinical signs or symptoms and potential risk factors which are most likely associated with the presence of a vertical root fracture (VRF) in endodontically treated teeth (ETT). METHODS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched by 2 reviewers in October 2022 for clinical studies, in which at least either the clinical presentation or potential risk factors associated with a VRF were assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses of odds ratios (ORs) were performed separately for several signs or symptoms and risk factors. RESULTS: Fourteen sources reporting on 2877 teeth (489 with VRF and 2388 without VRF) were included in the meta-analyses. Regarding the clinical presentation, the presence of sinus tracts (OR = 4.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-15.0), increased periodontal probing depths (OR = 13.24; 95% CI, 5.44-32.22), swelling/abscess (OR = 2.86; 95% CI, 1.74-4.70), and tenderness to percussion (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18-2.61) were significantly associated with the presence of a VRF (Padj. value < .05). None of the assessed risk factors (sex, type of teeth, tooth location, posts, indirect restoration, and apical extension of the root canal filling) were found to be significantly associated with the presence of a VRF (Padj. value > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Four clinical presentations were identified to be the most significant signs or symptoms for a VRF in ETT: presence of sinus tracts, increased probing depths, swelling/abscess, and tenderness to percussion. None of the assessed risk factors pointed out to be significantly associated with a VRF. REGISTRATION: CRD42022354108 (PROSPERO).

Development and validation of a method for creating incomplete vertical root fracture in extracted teeth.

The present study reported a method for inducing incomplete root fracture in human extracted teeth for the purpose of evaluating the merits of different diagnostic imaging techniques. Thirty-five single-rooted teeth were inspected under magnification and transillumination to exclude previously fractured teeth. Tooth crowns were removed, and the root canals were prepared up to the ProTaper Next X4 (40.06) file. Each root was lined with wax and embedded in a polystyrene resin block. The setup was attached to a universal testing machine for pressing a customized conical wedge (diameter at tip: 0.6 mm; taper: 0.2 mm/mm) into the instrumented canal with a 2 kN load at 5 mm/min. The machine was programmed to stop after a sudden 10% drop in loading force. Each specimen was removed from the resin block and inspected under × 20 magnification and transillumination to identify the fracture characteristics (pattern, surfaces and root-third affected). The gap width of each specimen was measured at different locations along the fracture line. The protocol induced incomplete vertical root fractures in all specimens. Fracture widths were < 100 µm in all specimens (mean gap width: 34.9 µm). The proposed methodology was successful in inducing incomplete vertical root fractures with characteristics that resemble the clinical presentation of these conditions. The method is easy to execute, highly reproducible and helps to minimize bias in laboratory studies that aims to mimic vertical root fractures.

Abordagem multidisciplinar no tratamento de incisivo lateral com fratura oblíqua e lesão periapical: relato de caso clínico / Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of lateral incisor with oblique fracture and periapical injury: clinical case report

Casos de fraturas dentárias oblíquas muitas vezes possuem um prognóstico desfavorável, geralmente com indicação da extração do elemento dental. O presente artigo visou relatar o tratamento do caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino, 12 anos, que compareceu à Unidade de Saúde Bucal do Hospital Universitário de Brasília com encaminhamento de extração do dente 12, apresentando fratura oblíqua que se estendia subgengivalmente na face vestibular. O trauma havia ocorrido há três anos e o paciente havia sido submetido a diversas intervenções endodônticas, apresentando no momento da consulta inicial por nossa equipe uma lesão periapical extensa. Após a realização da anamnese, exame clínico e radiográfico, foi adotada uma abordagem multidisciplinar conservadora com a manutenção do dente e a realização da enucleação da lesão periapical por meio de intervenção cirúrgica e posterior reabilitação. Em uma mesma sessão, foi realizada a obturação do conduto com cone de guta percha e cimento sealer 26 e a cirurgia parendodôntica juntamente com a apicoplastia. Uma semana após a intervenção cirúrgica foi realizada restauração classe IV com resina composta baseada no enceramento dos modelos de diagnóstico montados em articulador. Com base em uma avaliação criteriosa e multidisciplinar, foi possível adotar uma abordagem conservadora no caso em questão, com a manutenção e reabilitação de um dente permanente em um paciente jovem, evitando a indicação de exodontia(AU)

Cases of oblique dental fractures often have an unfavorable prognosis, usually with the indication of extraction of the dental element. The present article aimed to report the treatment of the clinical case of a 12-year-old male patient, who attended the Oral Health Unit of the Hospital Universitário de Brasília with a referral for extraction of tooth 7, presenting an oblique fracture that extended subgingivally on the labial surface. The trauma had occurred three years ago and the patient had undergone several endodontic interventions, presenting an extensive periapical lesion at the time of the initial consultation by our team. After anamnesis, clinical and radiographic examination, a conservative multidisciplinar approach was adopted with the maintenance of the tooth and the enucleation of the periapical lesion through surgical intervention and subsequente rehabilitation. In the same session, the conduit was filled with gutta-percha cone and sealer cement 26 and parendodontic surgery was performed together with apicoplasty. One week after the surgical intervention, class IV restoration was performed with composite resin based on the waxing of the diagnostic models mounted on an articulator. Based on a careful and multidisciplinary evaluation, it was possible to adopt a conservative approach in the case in question, with the maintenance and rehabilitation of a permanent tooth in a young patient, avoiding the indication of extraction(AU)

Odontocrexis / Odontocrexis / Odontocrexis

Los cambios en la presión atmosférica pueden ocasionar patología odontológica en personas que presentan dientes con caries, obturaciones deficientes o temporales y en todas aquellas lesiones cavitadas donde puedan quedar albergadas burbujas de aire.Se presenta el caso clínico de un buceador de la Armada Española que acude al servicio de odontología de la Jefatura de Apoyo Sanitario del Arsenal de Cartagena, por presentar fractura dental completa, “odontocrexis”, derivado de la expansión volumétrica de los gases en el ascenso a la superficie terrestre durante la realización de un ejercicio de buceo militar. (AU)

Changes in atmospheric pressure can cause dental disease in people with decayed teeth, poor or temporary fillings, and in all cavitated lesions where air bubbles can be lodged.The clinical case of a diver from the Spanish Navy who attends the dentistry service of the Sanitary Support Headquarters of the Cartagena Arsenal is presented, due to presenting a complete dental fracture, “odontocrexis”, derived from the volumetric expansion of the gases during the ascent to the ground during a military diving exercise. (AU)

Mudanças na pressão atmosférica podem causar patologia dentária em pessoas com dentes cariados, obturações deficientes ou temporárias e em todas as lesões cavitadas onde bolhas de ar podem se alojar.É apresentado o caso clínico de um mergulhador da Marinha Espanhola que frequenta o serviço de odontologia do Quartel de Apoio Sanitário do Arsenal de Cartagena, por apresentar uma fratura dentária completa, “odontocrexia”, decorrente da expansão volumétrica dos gases durante a subida ao solo durante um exercício de mergulho militar. (AU)

Facts About Cracks in Teeth.

Examining the nature of stress distribution within the intact tooth can aid in understanding how natural tooth structures are able to resist mechanical forces during masticatory function. Identification of potential fractures in teeth on clinical examination is essential for correct diagnosis, particularly if there is pulpal involvement. This discussion will consider the different types of fracture, their identification and management. This paper will highlight management of tooth fractures, including identifying prognostic indicators, which are largely dependent on the extent of the fracture within the tooth structure.

Awareness and Preferred Mode of Getting Information on First Aid Management of Avulsed Permanent Teeth: Survey of Nigerian Mothers

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the awareness and sources of information on first aid management of avulsed permanent teeth in a group of South-western Nigerian mothers. Material and Methods: An 18-item interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to survey 385 mothers attending the antenatal and immunization clinics on their perception towards dental avulsion, its management, sources, and preferred mode of receiving information on first aid. The effect of all significant factors was inferred at p<0.05. Results: Mothers who had previous information on the first aid management of dental avulsion had significantly higher knowledge (p=0.000). Majority (80.8%) of the mothers did not know that an avulsed permanent tooth could be replanted, though mothers whose children had not experienced dental trauma had significantly higher knowledge (p=0.003). The knowledge of first aid management of avulsed permanent tooth was low, regardless of age, education and employment status of the respondents. Conclusion: There was low knowledge among mothers regarding the first aid measures in the management of avulsed permanent teeth. Their main preference for receiving information was through social media and television. There is a need to increase oral health educational campaigns targeted towards mothers.

Autotransplantation of teeth as an alternative to dental implantation.

Autotransplantation of teeth is a considerable option for tooth replacement in adults who are to undergo orthodontic treatment. Being compared with dental implantation, this procedure is more preferable as a grafted tooth functions as a normal one. In this case report, we describe successful autotransplantation of the third molar with complete root formation. To provide better adaptation of the donor tooth, we used its preoperatively printed replica. The donor tooth was immediately placed to the recipient site and splinted for 28 days. Endodontic treatment was initiated 2 weeks after transplantation. Clinical and radiographic findings at 6 and 12 months of follow-up are compared with the results described in the literature.

Traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition - a review.

Traumatic oral injuries in children involve trauma to the dentition and the surrounding oral soft tissue structures. They usually present as an emergency hence their management poses a challenge globally. Treatment of a tooth fracture, displacement or loss is determined by the type and severity of the injury independent of the etiology. It necessitates the experience for behavior management in a child, ascertaining a patient centered diagnosis, formulating a definitive treatment plan, explanation and consent of oral care to the parents or carer with optimal operator skills. This article provides an overview on the types of oral injury in a child patient, their recognition, diagnosis and management based on credible, practical and readily understandable evidence.

Diagnosis and management of transverse root fractures.

BACKGROUND: Root fractures are not a common injury, but a thorough understanding of their etiology, healing responses, diagnosis, management, and prognosis is essential. REVIEW: The prognosis is largely related to the patient's age; degree of displacement, if any, of the coronal fragment; and the location and orientation of the fracture. The more apical the fracture is located, the better the prognosis. Teeth with root fractures located supracrestally may have the worst prognosis, but their management and outcome depend on many factors, with the most influential factor being the ability to restore the tooth because the coronal fragment usually needs to be removed. In contrast, root fractures located in the apical and middle thirds and those subcrestally in the coronal third of the root have a good prognosis and usually require little, if any, treatment apart from immediate repositioning (if the coronal fragment has been displaced) and stabilization. Monitoring of root-fractured teeth over time is essential to determine the healing response and to assess whether the pulp survives or not. In some cases, the pulp in the coronal fragment may necrose and become infected, thus requiring root canal treatment, but this should only be done to the fracture line. Pulp necrosis and infection typically occur within the first 3-4 months if it is a direct result of the trauma. However, pulp necrosis and infection can also occur many years later, in which case it is likely to be a result of bacterial penetration via cracks or breakdown of restorations. CONCLUSION: Overall, root fractures should be managed conservatively unless they are located supracrestally.

Cemental tear: An unusual cause for persisting endodontic periodontal lesion.

Cemental tear represents a rare form of root surface fracture which makes teeth prone to periodontal breakdown. The diagnosis of cemental tear becomes a challenge as it is usually neglected or misdiagnosed and is also underreported in the literature. Correct diagnosis and early treatment of cemental tear can prevent further periodontal breakdown and may preserve the affected tooth for a longer duration. This case presents the diagnosis, treatment, and an analysis of a right maxillary lateral incisor with an improper endodontic treatment coupled with a cemental tear. Despite surgical removal, the cemental tear led to the development of an endodontic periodontal lesion. This article intends to help recognize early signs and symptoms of cemental tear and establish timely diagnosis. It determines that if the periodontal destruction caused by cemental tears is diagnosed and treated early, it may be possible to prevent further periodontal breakdown and preserve the tooth for a longer period.

Incidental Finding of a Suspected Horizontal Root Fracture During Mucogingival Surgery.

Periapical and bitewing radiographs lack the sensitivity to reliably diagnose horizontal root fractures, and, therefore, asymptomatic teeth with root fractures may remain undetected for years. This article reports a case in which a patient presented with a mucogingival defect on tooth No. 24 with no apparent history of dental trauma. During a free gingival graft procedure, a horizontal root fracture was observed in the apical third of the aforementioned tooth. After the clinician communicated this finding to the patient, the patient recollected two instances of trauma that had occurred to this area more than 30 years earlier. The presence of the horizontal root fracture did not affect the postoperative healing from the mucogingival procedure, and the tooth remained stable at the 1-year follow-up.

A 10-year retrospective study of dental trauma in permanent dentition / Estudio retrospectivo de 10 años sobre trauma dental en la dentición permanente

Objective. This study aims to identify the characteristics and factors associated with TDI treated at a referral service. Material and methods. A ten-year period cross-sectional retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with TDI in their permanent teeth was performed, and injury-related data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square association test and complex analysis (p<0.05). Results. Records of 545 patients, totaling 1438 traumatized teeth, were evaluated, and a male prevalence at a 2.4:1 ratio was found. The age group with highest incidence was 13-19 years. Central maxillary incisors and dislocations were the most affected teeth and TDI, respectively. Statistical analysis showed different TDI causes according to age: children are often victims of falls, traffic accidents, aggression and collisions, whereas adolescents are involved in sports accidents, and young adults in traffic accidents, falls and collisions. Conclusion. Considering the scope of this retrospective study at a single referral center, a profile of young male patients with TDI in superior central incisors due to falls, collisions, traffic accidents or sports could be detected

Objetivo. Identificar las características y los factores asociados con el traumatismo dentoalveolar (TD) atendido en un servicio de referencia. Material y métodos. Ha sido realizado un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes con TD en dientes permanentes en un período de10 años. Fueron extraídos los datos relacionados con el TD. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el test de asociación chi-cuadrado y el análisis de los residuos (p<0,05). Resultados. Los registros de 545 pacientes con un total de 1.438 dientes traumatizados fueron incluidos. Se constata la prevalencia en el sexo masculino, con una proporción de 2,4:1. El grupo etario con mayor incidencia fue el de 13-19 años. Los incisivos centrales superiores fueron los dientes más afectados y el traumatismo dentario más diagnosticado fueron las luxaciones. El análisis estadístico ha mostrado una asociación de diferentes causas de TD con la edad: los niños son víctimas, con mayor probabilidad, de caídas, accidentes de tránsito, agresiones y colisiones, mientras que los adolescentes los son de accidentes deportivos, y los adultos jóvenes de accidentes de tráfico, caídas y colisiones. Conclusión. Considerando el alcance de este estudio retrospectivo en un único servicio de referencia, se detectó un perfil de jóvenes pacientes del sexo masculino con la presencia de TD en los incisivos centrales superiores por las caídas, colisiones, accidentes de tráfico o prácticas deportivas

Root Fracture as Complication of Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion.

A 23 year old male patient was submitted to surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). There were any postoperative complications until the finish of orthodontic expansion process. However, in the 30th postoperative day, patient mentioned pain in upper central incisor. Periapical radiography evidenced a root fracture of central upper right incisor. After endodontic treatment, the fractured apex was removed. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient finished orthodontics, and the damaged tooth was in good aspect. Apical fracture is an unexpected complication of SARME. However, follow-up and correct treatment lead to a good prognosis for tooth maintenance.

Duration from Initial Symptoms to Diagnosis of Vertical Root Fracture in Dental Offices.

Diagnosing vertical root fracture (VRF) is difficult. Here, we retrospectively investigated the duration from initial symptoms to a definite diagnosis of VRF in dental offices. Data were collected on patients with VRF between July 2013 and June 2015. Initial symptoms were ascertained from clinical records. The focus was on the maxillary second premolars and mesial roots of the mandibular first molars, where VRF is most frequent. All VRF in the bilateral dentition was analyzed. Only cases in which the buccal-lingual plane of the root was fractured were included. Data from 31 dental offices revealed a total of 39 VRFs in the maxillary second premolars and 43 in the mandibular mesial roots of the first molars. The patients comprised 42 males and 40 females, and the average age was 59.7±11.6 years at initial onset of symptoms. The mean duration from initial symptoms to a definite diagnosis in the maxillary second premolars was 18.3±22.5 months, while that in the mandibular first molars was 16.1±17.8 months. The cumulative diagnostic rate was 48.7% at 12 months and 79.5% at 24 months in the maxillary second premolars, and 38.1% at 12 months and 86.0% at 24 months in the mandibular first molars. No significant difference was observed between tooth type. If VRF is suspected, doctors should explain the risks of tooth extraction and begin considering treatment options. The present results revealed that 80% of VRFs were diagnosed within 2 years of initial onset of symptoms.

Zoom Reconstruction Tool: Evaluation of Image Quality and Influence on the Diagnosis of Root Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the image quality and the diagnosis of root fractures when using the Zoom Reconstruction tool (J Morita, Kyoto, Japan). METHODS: A utility wax phantom with a metal sample inside was used for objective evaluation, and a mandible with 27 single-rooted teeth (with and without obturation and with and without vertical or horizontal fractures) was used for diagnostic evaluation. The images were acquired in 3 protocols: protocol 1, field of view (FOV) of 4 × 4 cm and a voxel size of 0.08 mm; protocol 2, FOV of 10 × 10 cm and a voxel size of 0.2 mm; and protocol 3, Zoom Reconstruction of images from protocol 2 (FOV of 4 × 4 cm and a voxel size of 0.08 mm). The objective evaluation was achieved by measuring the image noise, and the diagnosis of fractures was performed by 3 evaluators. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate accuracy, and analysis of variance compared the accuracy and image quality of the protocols. RESULTS: Regarding quality, protocol 1 was superior to protocol 2 (P < .0001) and Zoom Reconstruction (P < .0001). Additionally, images of protocol 2 presented less noise than the Zoom Reconstruction image (P < .0001); however, for diagnosis, Zoom Reconstruction was superior in relation to protocol 2 (P = .011) and did not differ from protocol 1 (P = .228) for the diagnosis of a vertical root fracture in filled teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The Zoom Reconstruction tool allows better accuracy for vertical root fracture detection in filled teeth, making it possible to obtain a higher-resolution image from a lower-resolution examination without having to expose the patient to more radiation.

Associations of types of pain with crack-level, tooth-level and patient-level characteristics in posterior teeth with visible cracks: Findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine which patient traits, behaviors, external tooth and/or crack characteristics correlate with the types of symptoms that teeth with visible cracks exhibit, namely pain on biting, pain due to cold stimuli, or spontaneous pain. METHODS: Dentists in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network enrolled a convenience sample of subjects each of whom had a single, vital posterior tooth with at least one observable external crack (cracked teeth); 2858 cracked teeth from 209 practitioners were enrolled. Data were collected at the patient-, tooth-, and crack-level. Generalized estimating equations were used to obtain significant (p < .05) independent odds ratios (OR) associated with teeth that were painful for 10 outcomes based on types of pain and combinations thereof. RESULTS: Overall, 45% of cracked teeth had one or more symptoms. Pain to cold was the most common symptom, which occurred in 37% of cracked teeth. Pain on biting (16%) and spontaneous pain (11%) were less common. Sixty-five percent of symptomatic cracked teeth had only one type of symptom, of these 78% were painful only to cold. No patient-, tooth- or crack-level characteristic was significantly associated with pain to cold alone. Positive associations for various combinations of pain symptoms were present with cracks that: (1) were on molars; (2) were in occlusion; (3) had a wear facet through enamel; (4) had caries; (5) were evident on a radiograph; (6) ran in more than one direction; (7) blocked transilluminated light; (8) connected with another crack; (9) extended onto the root; (10) extended in more than one direction; or (11) were on the distal surface. Persons who were <65 yo or who clench, grind, or press their teeth together also were more likely to have pain symptoms. Pain was less likely in teeth with stained cracks or exposed roots, or in non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS: Although pain to cold was the most commonly noted pain associated with symptomatic cracked teeth, no patient-, tooth- or crack-level characteristic was significantly associated with pain to cold alone. Characteristics were only associated with pain on biting and/or spontaneous pain with or without pain to cold. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although often considered the most reliable diagnosis for a cracked tooth, pain on biting is not the most common symptom of a tooth with a visible crack, but rather pain to cold.

Comparison of Digital Diagnostic Value and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Determining Vertical Root Fracture in Single- Root Teeth

Objective: To compare the accuracy of digital radiography and CBCT for the diagnosis of vertical root fractures in single root teeth. Material and Methods: For this descriptive-analytic study, 50 non-fractured, single-root teeth were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group (25 teeth in each group). The teeth in the control group did not have vertical root fractures. In the test group, after preparing the access cavity, the root canal was cleared and loosened up to No. 80 file, then a vertical root fracture was created by one of the K-Reamers Nos. 90- 130.The images were prepared by CBCT radiography in axial and cross-sectional slices and in digital radiography with PSP sensors at mesial, distal, and parallel angles. The Chi-square test was used to express the correlation of variables. Results: In the diagnosis of vertical root fractures, the sensitivity of CBCT in the axial section was 32% and in the cross-sectional slice it was 20%, whereas the specificity in both the sections was 100%. The sensitivity of the digital radiography in detecting vertical root fractures for parallel, mesial, and distal angles was 38%, 16%, and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: According to this study, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of digital radiography and CBCT were not significantly different.