Contemporary management of horizontal root fractures to the permanent dentition: diagnosis--radiologic assessment to include cone-beam computed tomography.

ORCiD

Dr. Ove A. Peters: 0000-0001-5222-8718

Department

Endodontics

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Endodontics

ISSN

0099-2399

Volume

39

Issue

3 Suppl

DOI

10.1016/j.joen.2012.10.022

First Page

20

Last Page

25

Publication Date

3-1-2013

Abstract

Historically, obtaining several periapical radiographs has been recommended to diagnose horizontal root fractures. Assessing the 3-dimensional orientation of a fracture is correlated to treatment and outcome. However, conventional radiography yields only limited information for accurate diagnosis. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new and useful technology, which provides an auxiliary imaging modality to supplement conventional radiography for evaluating horizontal root fractures. Despite the increasing application of this technology as well as a growing body of evidence supporting its value in diagnosing horizontal root fractures, there are no specific guidelines for its use. This article aimed to provide such preliminary guidelines for cases of suspected horizontal root fracture as a result of trauma. From a database search it was concluded that CBCT is most useful in cases in which conventional radiography yields inconclusive results or shows a fracture in the middle third of a root. In such cases CBCT may rule out false negatives, ie, a suspected root fracture not visualized with conventional radiography. For a root fracture in the middle third, CBCT may rule out or confirm an oblique course of fracture involving the cervical third in the labiolingual dimension. Although there are considerable advantages when CBCT is included in the assessment of horizontal root fracture and its possible sequelae, more experimental and clinical studies are warranted to determine the exact impact on outcomes.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS