Dentinal Crack
A microscopic or visible fracture line confined to the dentinal walls of the root canal, not extending through the full thickness of the root.
Full Definition
A dentinal crack is an incomplete fracture originating within the dentin structure of the root, distinct from a vertical root fracture in that it does not traverse the full root thickness. In editorial contexts it is important to distinguish it from a craze line (enamel-only) or a complete vertical root fracture. It is associated with excessive rotary instrumentation forces or hydraulic obturation pressures. Detection often requires transillumination, methylene blue staining, or CBCT. Editors should note it is usually rendered as two words without a hyphen.
Usage
Usage note: Always two words; do not hyphenate. Distinguish clearly from 'vertical root fracture' (complete) and 'craze line' (enamel only) when editing clinical records.
In Context
- "The post-operative report documented a dentinal crack on the mesial wall of the mesiobuccal root, identified under CBCT imaging." — Surgical case report
- "Editors should not substitute 'dentinal crack' with 'split tooth,' as these describe different fracture classifications." — Editorial style note