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Vertical root fracture — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateEndodonticsVertical root fractureNDEB AFK

A 52-year-old has a previously root-treated mandibular molar with a narrow isolated 10 mm probing defect on the mesial root, biting pain, and a J-shaped radiolucency. The coronal restoration is intact. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Vertical root fracture

An isolated deep narrow pocket with biting pain and a J-shaped lesion around a root-treated tooth is highly suggestive of vertical root fracture. Symptomatic apical periodontitis can cause periapical pain but does not usually produce a narrow isolated periodontal defect. The teaching point is that vertical root fracture often requires extraction or root resection rather than conventional retreatment.

Reference: Canadian endodontic reference texts; NDEB KSAs 2024