The clinical evaluation of vertical root fracture after endodontic treatment with mineral trioxide aggregate

Introduction: Vertical root fractures (VRFs) in endodontic treatment teeth are most serious complication. VRFs have a poor prognosis and usually result in tooth extraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) filled teeth for VRFs using by dental operate microscope (DOM). Methods: Fifty-two endodontic treatment teeth with VRFs were evaluated. 52 VRFs teeth were examined and evaluated the clinical finding with radiography, and DOM finding in root canal. The MTA-filled adhesion methods consist of the elimination of infected dentin by ultrasonic root canal instrument under DOM. The elimination of infected dentin method could be expected to inhibit the root perforation using an apex locator for measuring the distance to the tooth root surface during grooving for enlarging the tooth crack and fracture. Results: 52 VRFs teeth were treated by this method under ODM. Clinical symptoms and radiographic appearance of bony lesions were followed-up from 8 to 90 months. The survival rate of treatment was 94.3%. Conclusion: The results showed the MTA-filled adhesion methods using DOM and ultrasonic instrument was effective therapy for vertical root fractures teeth without extraction of the tooth.