ENDODONTICS Major Topic Abbreviation Diagnostic Methods / Tests Diag Meth Individual Teeth Ind Tth Instruments / Materials / Techniques. Inst / Mat / Tech Miscellaneous Misc. Pulp Pulp Replantation “Intentional & *Avulsed Teeth Replant Resorption Resorp Terms / Conditions Terms / Cond Copyright © 2004 — DENTAL DECKS.ENDODONTICS Diag Meth Which of the following are useful diagnostic alds that can be used to determine if a tooth has a vertical crown-root fracture? « Fiberoptic light for transillumination + Wedging the tooth in question and then taking an x-ray « Persistent periodontal defects in an otherwise healthy tooth * Having a patient bite forcefully on a bite stick + All of the above Copyright © 2004 — DENTAL DECKS+ All of the above important: Radiographs (without first wedging the tooth) rarely will show vertical fractures. Notes: 1. A tooth with a vertical fracture through root structure has a poor prognosis. 2. Studies have indicated that most vertical root fractures are caused by too much condensation force during obturation with gutta-percha. Therapy for horizontal fractures of the root always involves considerable difficulty. Root canal treatment is not Indicated if the fracture sites remain in close proximity and if the pulp retains its vitality. However, if clinical symptoms develop or the segments appear to be separating according to the x-ray, some treatment is necessary. Remember: Root fracture can only be visualized on a radiograph if the x-ray beam passes through the fracture line. As the fracture line could extend diagonally, an additional radiograph is taken with a 45° (steep) vertical angulation in addition to the conventional 90°.