Case of the Week: Vertical root fracture 2

This week I have a case of a vertical root fracture where there is no separation of the two segments.  This case shows a radiolucent area on the mesial aspect of the root and at the apex of the same root.  This is sometimes to referred to as a “J” shaped radiolucent lesion that is a characteristic sign of a vertical root fracture.  When evaluating clinically for a root fracture it is important to probe carefully around the tooth. Typically these cases will have normal probing depths (2-3 mm) everywhere except for in one spot where the probe will drop down to 8 mm or more indicating bone loss in just that specific location.

Click here for more radiographs and information on vertical root fractures.

Enjoy!