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Endodontics · single question

A vertical root fracture on radiograph is characterized by which specific radiographic appearance?

  1. Lateral radiolucency at the furcation only
  2. Round periapical radiolucency at the apex only
  3. No radiographic changes (diagnosis is purely clinical)
  4. J-shaped periapical radiolucency (extending along the lateral root)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. J-shaped periapical radiolucency (extending along the lateral root)

  • A. Furcation radiolucency suggests furcation involvement from periodontitis — not the pattern of VRF.
  • B. A simple round periapical radiolucency at the apex represents a periapical granuloma or cyst — not specific to vertical root fracture.
  • C. VRF does have radiographic signs — the J-shaped radiolucency is pathognomonic when present.
  • D. Correct. A vertical root fracture (VRF) is classically associated with a J-shaped or halo-shaped periapical radiolucency that extends laterally along the root surface. The fracture allows bacterial contamination along the entire root length, causing bone loss in a pattern that is not consistent with simple periapical disease.

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