Spontaneously Healed Horizontal Root Fracture: A Case Report

Root fracture occurs less frequently in comparison with other traumatic dental injuries, and accounts for about 0.5%-7% of all dental injuries in permanent dentition. Complications associated with root fracture include pulp necrosis, root resorption, and pulp canal obliteration. Maintaining tooth vitality is the mainstay of treatment of horizontal root fracture in permanent teeth.

Case Presentation:

 In this study, a clinical case of horizontal root fractures in the middle third of maxillary right and left central incisors (teeth #11 and #21) of an 8-year-old girl is reported. The patient was followed-up for 3 years. The treatment plan was watchful waiting and after 3 years, the vitality tests were still positive, and no pathology was detected on control radiographs.

 Careful clinical examination, accurate diagnosis, and regular radiographic follow-ups are necessary for efficient treatment and successful outcome of teeth with horizontal root fractures.