Surgical Management of Incomplete Vertical Root Fractures
Includes a Live Web Event on 07/10/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: Vertical Root fracture (VRF) is a longitudinally oriented complete or incomplete fracture of the root that originates from its apical end and propagates coronally and is defined as one of the crack types. According to the literature, VRF is the third most common reason for extraction of an endodontically treated tooth. Prognosis of vertically fractured teeth is usually questionable or poor, oftentimes leading to extraction. Concerning incomplete VRFs, several surgical techniques have been described. A predictable microsurgical technique involves elimination of the fractured part of the root with simultaneous preservation of the healthy root length and regenerative technique to enhance bone reformation. This technique can ultimately save the teeth, obtain periradicular bone healing and restore functionality. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight microscopic surgical preservation for teeth with incomplete VRF in maxillary and mandibular teeth both posterior and anterior. Case selection for application of these techniques is critical, because incomplete vertical fractures are difficult to diagnose.
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose and identify incomplete VRFs on endodontically treated teeth.
- Familiarize with elimination of the VRF line and preservation of sound root structure using microsurgical techniques.
- Describe the case selection criteria for applying microsurgical treatment on endodontically treated teeth with a VRF.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
LockedSpyros Floratos, DMD
Dr Floratos received his DMD from the University of Thessaloniki School of Dentistry in Greece in 2001. He received a Certificate in Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2009. Since 2009, he holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor appointment at the Endodontic Department of University of Pennsylvania. He is a retired Commander of the Greek Navy and former Director of the Endodontic Department of the Athens Naval Hospital in Greece. Dr Floratos is the author of three chapters in Professor Kim & Kratchman’s textbook ‘Microsurgery in Endodontics’ published in 2018 and one chapter in Professor Tsesis’ ‘Endodontic – Periodontal Lesions’ textbook published in 2019. He has presented in endodontic meetings in USA and Europe and has published in national and international endodontic journals.
Speaker Disclosure:
I declare that I have no proprietary, financial, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course, and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith, that will be discussed or considered during the proposed presentation.