Vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth: a clinical survey of 36 cases.

A clinical study was done on 36 original cases of vertical root fractures along with the data gathered from 32 cases published previously in the literature. Vertical root fractures most frequently occur in posterior teeth in patients between 45 and 60 yr of age. The average elapsed time between the endodontic treatment and the subsequent diagnosis of vertical fracture was found to be approximately 10 yr. The evidence and symptoms most often found are mild pain in the area of the fractured tooth often accompanied by swelling and fistula, along with a deep pocket in just one area of the attachment surrounding the tooth. The sign most often revealed by X-ray is a radiolucent periradicular band.