Bonding treatment of vertical root fractures and prognosis

Abstract

The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vertical root fractures are important for securing occlusion and maintaining oral function. Vertical root fractures can occur at the cervix of the tooth and extend toward the apex, or at the apex and extend toward the cervix. In the present study the frequency of these fractures was roughly the same in both directions. The main treatments involved removing bacteria from the root canal and fracture gap, sealing the fracture, and preventing re-fracture. The prognosis was greatly influenced by the extent of periodontal tissue destruction, the prosthetic treatment used such as abutment construction, and the applied occlusal force. In cases where treatment was started before periodontal tissue destruction occurs, the survival rate after 10 years was over 90％. Conservative treatment was considered sufficient in some cases of vertical root fractures.