Root fractures due to corrosion Diagnostic aspects

TLDR: A series of 468 teeth with root fractures was evaluated to determine the clinical and radiographic criteria which may be used in diagnosing these fractures, mainly caused by corrosion of root canal pins and/or posts.

Abstract: — A series of 468 teeth with root fractures, mainly caused by corrosion of root canal pins and/or posts, was evaluated to determine the clinical and radiographic criteria which may be used in diagnosing these fractures. The fractures could be seen directly in a radiograph in only one-third of the cases. Indirectly, evidence of a fracture could be demonstrated radiographically by the presence of corrosion products from the pin or post or by dissolution of the pin in 71.8 % of the cases. Marginal pocket formation, a widening, or blurring of the periodontal space was observed in 79.8% of the cases. In 53.8 % an apical radiolucency was present, whereas 10 cases (2.7 %) showed no radio-graphic signs. The findings emphasize the importance of always considering the possibility of a root fracture when dealing with teeth containing pins, posts, and crowns.