Vertical root fracture associated with prolonged use of calcium hydroxide during apexification. A case report

Abstract

Cite as: Ribadeneira J & Muñoz E. Vertical root fracture associated with prolonged use of calcium hydroxide during apexification. A case report. J Oral Res 2015; 4(2): 124-128. Abstract: Apexification is a procedure performed in young permanent teeth to promote apical closure and root elongation if Hertwig's epithelial sheath has not been irreversibly damaged. The objective of this article is to describe vertical root fracture as a complication during apexification when using calcium hydroxide for extended periods of time. The patient was a 9-year-old female student who went to the Faculty of Dentistry of the Universidad Andres Bello in Concepcion. She presented strong and spontaneous pain and pressure and swelling on the left cheek. Clinically, the vestibule of the lower left first molar (3.6) was edematous and had pus. Radiographically, lesions and open apices were seen in the apical zone. Diagnosis was pulp necrosis and acute apical abscess. The tooth was trephined to perform intracanal drainage and an oral antibiotic was prescribed. Afterwards, she was referred to the endodontic specialty office. The selected treatment was apexification with calcium hydroxide until achieving the formation of an apical barrier. When the apical formation was observed, a vertical root fracture was discovered as well, confirming that the use of calcium hydroxide should not be prolonged because dehydration processes lead to weakening of the walls and therefore of the tooth