Pattern of bone resorption in vertically fractured, endodontically treated teeth

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical pattern of alveolar bone resorption associated with vertically fractured, endodontically treated teeth in correlation to clinical symptoms. Material and methods. The pattern of bone resorption was evaluated in 66 maxillary premolars, 13 mandibular premolars, and 31 mesial roots of mandibular molars extracted during an 18-month period because of vertical root fractures. Type and duration of symptoms were recorded and correlated to the pattern of bone resorption. Results. A V-shaped pattern osseous defect (dehiscence) was typical (91%) to the buccal plate rather than a U-shaped shallow, rounded, slow grade resorption in the palatal or lingual plate. Fenestration of the buccal plate was observed in 10 patients (9%). A positive correlation between type of symptoms and amount of buccal bone resorption was found (P < .0001). The resorptive defect was always facing the fracture line. Conclusions. A typical pattern of bone resorption in vertical root fracture cases as shown in this study can be helpful to the clinician in diagnosing vertical root fracture when an exploratory full flap surgical procedure is performed.