Prevalence of vertical root fractures in extracted endodontically treated teeth

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vertical root fractures (VRF) in extracted endodontically treated teeth and to correlate the findings to previous studies and surveys. METHODOLOGY: Root-canal-treated teeth were referred for extraction from a public dental clinic. The endodontic therapy had been completed by a variety of dentists. Each tooth was evaluated following extraction by the oral surgeon who performed the procedure: the exact aetiology for the clinical diagnosis that led to the extraction was recorded. RESULTS: The major reasons for extraction were restorative (43.5%) and endodontic (21.1%), followed by vertical root fractures (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high prevalence of vertical root fractures in this survey compared with previous clinical and radiographic surveys was probably related to the difficulties in making a clinical diagnosis of vertical fractures before extraction.