Vertical root fracture

A vertical root fracture (VRF) is a longitudinally oriented fracture of the root that originates from the apex and propagates to the coronal part. According to the literature vertical root fracture is the third most common reason for extraction of an endodontically treated tooth. Vertical root fracture is an important threat to the tooth's prognosis during and after root canal treatments. The vertical fracture may involve the whole length of the root or only a section of it. It may involve only one or both sides of the root. In molar teeth the fracture is most commonly bucco-lingual in orientation in individual roots. Mesio-distal fractures are less common. In anterior teeth the fractures are most commonly in a bucco-lingual direction. Vertical root fractures can be initiated from coronal tooth structure or at the apex . Most vertical root fractures are complete.