Not all teeth that look split are split; expect the unexpected!

Patient: 49-year-old male with controlled hypertension and hypercholesterolemia

Chief Complaint: Swelling on the cheek-side of his right lower molar

Dental History: The patient reported having had a bonded resin filling material having been placed in his mandibular right first molar approximately 6-12 months prior to the time of examination. His dentist had reported a crown fracture and on a recent cleaning visit buccal swelling was noted with a 12 mm sulcular defect communicating with the buccal furcation. The dentist was certain the tooth was split and referred the patient to the author because the patient insisted upon wanting to see if the tooth could be saved.