Diagnosis of Vertical Root Fractures

Patients are often referred to Dr. Boehne for a definitive diagnosis concerning a vertical root fracture. There are specific circumstantial clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms that render a tooth “suspicious” for having a vertical root fracture. Since the only treatment for a VRF is extraction of the tooth, it is imperative to arrive at the correct diagnosis. The only way to definitively diagnose a vertical root fracture is to take the time to see it directly, either by accessing the root canal to see it from the inside, or by elevating a small surgical flap to see it from the outside.