Here is a case with tooth #19 that has a fractured mesial root. The patient recalls having been told about the tooth from his previous dentist but chose to retain the tooth for some time since there was no significant pain with the tooth.

Since some time ago, the patient had been noticing swelling and foul smell from the area. On the first visit, the radiograph shows significant bone loss in the area of root fracture. I must say the patient was lucky to have a lot of bone above the inferior alveolar nerve as seen on the radiograph.

Here is another case that shows fractured tooth #21. The vertical height appears to be OK. The buccal bone on #21 was lost completely, presenting a challenge for a future implant placement. At the time of extraction of #21, bone graft was done to preserve the alveolar ridge as much as possible. Further bone graft will be needed, though.

None the less, as long as there are no symptoms with a fractured tooth, the tooth can be retained. At the first sign of inflammation, however, the tooth should be removed in order to preserve the alveolar ridge for a future implant placement or any other prostheses.