Persistent Gingival Swelling and Fistula Obscured Horizontal Root Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Horizontal root fracture (HRF) is a result of trauma to teeth and periodontium, which implies severe injury to cementum, dentin, and pulp. This is a rare case of HRF in the maxillary lateral incisor of a 62-year-old male who only presented persistent gingival swelling, fistula, and dull pain at first. An apical radiolucency of unknown origin turned out to be a result of hidden HRF at the coronal third level that was later visualized radiographically during endodontic treatment. The tooth was scheduled to be extracted upon the patient’s agreement. The purpose of this report is to alert clinicians about the importance of diagnosing HRF through thorough clinical and radiographic examinations. Where there is persistent fistula without proper cause, HRF should be considered as a causative factor, and the diagnosis could be effective with aid of cone beam computed tomography, electronic root apex locator, as well as other clinical signs.