Prevalence of vertical root fractures in extracted endodontically treated teeth

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vertical root f ractures (VRF) in extracted endodontically treated teeth and to correlate t he findings to previous studies and surveys. Methodology Root-canal-treated teeth were referred for extraction from a pu blic dental clinic. The endodontic therapy had been completed by a variety of dentists. Each tooth was evaluated following extraction by the oral surg eon who performed the procedure; the exact aetiology for the clinical diagn osis that led to the extraction was recorded. Results The major reasons for extraction were restorative (43.5%) and endod ontic (21.1%), followed by vertical root fractures (10.9%). Conclusions The relatively high prevalence of vertical root fractures in th is survey compared with previous clinical and radiographic surveys was prob ably related to the difficulties in making a clinical diagnosis of vertical fractures before extraction.