Surgical Management of Vertical Root Fractures for Posterior Teeth: Report of Four Cases

Abstract

IntroductionThe objective of this article was to present a surgical treatment option for teeth with incomplete vertical root fracture in maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. MethodsFour cases are presented in which 1 endodontically treated maxillary or mandibular molar had an incomplete vertical root fracture involving 1 of the roots. The tooth underwent a flap elevation procedure to visualize the pattern of bone loss and assess the extent of root fracture. The fracture line was eliminated by resecting the root in a beveled manner, after which root-end preparation and root-end filling were performed by using mineral trioxide aggregate. The osteotomy was covered with an absorbable collagen membrane. Cases were followed up for 8–24 months after surgery. ResultsThe procedure was shown to be predictable and successful in this series. Root length was preserved, and tooth extraction was avoided. ConclusionsThe microsurgical treatment option for multirooted teeth with incomplete vertical root fracture resulted in long-term clinical success.