A novel surgical treatment approach for the vertical root fracture of posterior teeth: a case report with 24-month review

Abstract

Abstract Background Up to 25% of the tooth extraction after root canal treatment could be attributed to the vertical root fracture (VRF). The treatment choice for teeth with VRF would mostly be the extraction despite some repairing methods were also reported. The repairing treatment result of VRF would mostly depend on the fixation strength and the bioactivity of the repairing materials, especially for the posterior teeth with high masticating stresses. This case report designed a novel surgical treatment approach for the VRF of posterior teeth. Methods a maxillary premolar with buccal-palatal complete VRF was treated with a new dual-layered repairing approach using adhesive resin + iRoot BP Plus bioceramic cement to fill the modified fracture line with retention forms through the intentional replantation. Results At the 24-month review, the tooth showed desirable periodontal healing and normal function. Conclusions This case report indicated that the dual-layered repairing approach might be effective for saving the posterior teeth with VRF. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are needed for its long-term result.