Incidental finding of a horizontal root fracture when considering a tooth for root canal treatment

A 44-year-old female patient was referred to the restorative department at Manchester University Dental Hospital for root canal treatment of the maxillary right lateral incisor, which appeared to have a sclerosed root canal. The tooth had a history of trauma when the patient was 6 years old. A cone beam computed tomography scan of the tooth revealed an incidental finding of a transverse root fracture that was otherwise not visible on the peri-apical radiograph. This highlights the diagnostic challenge of peri-apical radiographs and emphasizes the value of three-dimensional imaging in endodontics. It also highlights the importance of timely referral and management of traumatic dental injuries to reduce the risk of complications in the future. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case report emphasizes the value of three-dimensional imaging in diagnosis.