Pattern of bone resorption in vertically fractured, endodontically treatedteeth

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical pattern of alveolar bone resorption assoc iated with vertically fractured, endodontically treated teeth in correlatio n to clinical symptoms. Material and methods. The pattern of bone resorption was evaluated in 66 ma xillary premolars, 13 mandibular premolars, and 31 mesial roots of mandibul ar molars extracted during an 18-month period because of vertical root frac tures. Type and duration of symptoms were recorded and correlated to the pa ttern of bone resorption. Results. A V-shaped pattern osseous defect (dehiscence) was typical (91%) t o the buccal plate rather than a U-shaped shallow, rounded, slow grade reso rption in the palatal or lingual plate. Fenestration of the buccal plate wa s observed in 10 patients (9%). A positive correlation between type of symp toms and amount of buccal bone resorption was found (P < .0001). The resorp tive 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.