CBCT in diagnosis of vertical root fracture

The clinical presentation and radiographic appearance of a vertical root fracture frequently pose a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician. Lack of definitive diagnosis often leads to unnecessary invasive surgery and/or extraction of the tooth. Often exploratory surgery is resorted in order to visualize the fracture. Conventional two-dimensional radiography, including periapical and bitewing radiograph and currently cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) are being used to detect vertical root fractures. This article reviews the role of CBCT in detecting vertical root fractures