A tooth with minimal or no restoration or caries is unlikely to become nonvital. A, This radiograph of a mandibular second molar shows a restoration that is distant from the pulp chamber, yet the tooth is nonvital and symptomatic. B, On occlusal examination, a slight crack is observed on the distal marginal ridge. C, After extraction, the mesial aspect of the crown and root shows no indication of a fracture. D, However, the distal aspect of the crown and coronal root shows the fracture. E and F, When the crown is sectioned, the crack can be observed to extend well into the pulp chamber.