Vertical root fracture
Poorly fitting intracoronal restorations can place stresses within the tooth that can cause a vertical root fracture. A, This radiograph of a mandibular second premolar (with a gold inlay) reveals extensive periapical and periradicular bone loss, especially on the distal aspect. B, The tooth pulp tested nonvital, and there was an associated 12-mm-deep, narrow, isolated periodontal pocket on the buccal aspect of the tooth. After the tooth was extracted, the distal aspect was examined. C, On magnification (×16) the distal aspect of the root revealed an oblique vertical root fracture. Similarly, the placement of an ill-fitting post may exert intraradicular stresses on a root that can cause a fracture to occur vertically. D, This radiograph depicts a symmetrical space between the obturation and the canal wall, suggesting a vertical root fracture. E, After the tooth is extracted, the root fracture can be easily observed.