Long‐term retention of avulsed maxillary permanent incisors replanted after prolonged non‐physiological storage

Ankylosis and external replacement resorption (ERR) are two typical biological responses to delayed replantation of avulsed teeth in cases where adequate root canal treatment is performed. The patient's growth stage affects the progression of root resorption and the long‐term outcome of the affected teeth. This case report describes the long‐term outcome of an 18.5‐year‐old patient following an accident in which both of his maxillary central incisors were avulsed and replanted after four hours of non‐physiological storage. ERR and ankylosis of teeth 11 and 21 were detected clinically and radiographically during the second year of follow‐up. Sixteen years after replantation, replacement resorption was progressing very slowly, enabling functional tooth retention with favorable esthetics. Young adults, with delayed replantation of avulsed teeth, may benefit from tooth retention with slow ERR.     

16‐Year follow‐up of an avulsed maxillary central incisor after replantation following 10‐h storage: An unusual case

Tooth avulsion is a type of dental injury defined as the complete displacement of a tooth out of the alveolar socket, and the lack of prompt treatment measures can result in the loss of function, poor quality of life, and psychological and social problems. However, several factors may not permit the immediate replantation of an avulsed tooth; therefore, delayed replantation has emerged as an alternative to meet the esthetic, functional, and psychological demands of patients. Here it was described that the successful replantation of an avulsed maxillary central incisor in a 9‐year‐old boy who presented at the clinic with the tooth stored in unfavorable conditions as dry and then in olive oil‐milk mixture almost 10 h after the event. The tooth has remained in its socket healthy for 16 years after treatment. The patient was satisfied with both esthetics and function.     

Treatment of replacement resorption with Emdogain® − a prospective clinical study

The present clinical study investigated the outcome of intentional replantation using Emdogain for periodontal healing following trauma‐related ankylosis. Sixteen ankylosed teeth affected by replacement resorption were treated as follows: After tooth extraction, the root canal was obturated with a retrograde titanium post. Emdogain was applied to the root surface and into the extraction socket with subsequent replantation of the tooth. Evaluation parameters included horizontal and vertical Periotest scores, percussion sound and periapical radiographs. All findings were compared to those of the adjacent teeth. The mean follow‐up period was 15 months (range 4–24 months). Eleven teeth showed no signs of recurrence of ankylosis: they were in full function and exhibited no pathological clinical findings. Four severely traumatized teeth demonstrated a recurrence of ankylosis after a mean period of 6 months, one tooth was lost in a second accident after 7 months. The estimated probability of 1 year without recurrence of ankylosis was P = 0.66 (95% confidence interval [0.40; 0.94]). The mean survival time was 10.2 months (SD 1.1). The results indicate that treatment of replacement resorption following light to moderate trauma with replantation and Emdogain appears to prevent or delay recurrence of ankylosis in many cases.     

A 22‐year follow‐up of an endodontic implant

Root fractures in the middle and apical thirds of the root are treated by repositioning and for approximately 6 weeks of immobilization while those in the cervical third are immobilized for 3 months. Even though the results are good, some root‐fractured teeth are lost and replaced by dental implants or fixed partial dentures. One historic but effective treatment option for those root fractures with unfavorable crown to root ratios is an endodontic implant in middle and apical third root fractures. This method offers immediate stable fixation of a crown and its coronal root segment to the underlying alveolar bone. This report documents the long‐term survival of a tooth treated with an endodontic implant. A 25‐year‐old male patient presented following a bicycle accident with a dislocated unfavorable root fracture in the middle third. The crown with the coronal root segment was secured to the bone using a commercially available endodontic implant. The apical part of the root was removed. Although the clinical and radiological follow‐up results of the endodontic implant demonstrated a good clinical function and little bone loss, the implant ultimately had to be removed after 22 years of service due to pain and increasing mobility.     

Factors related to treatment and outcomes of avulsed teeth

Abstract – Background: The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with avulsion injury and to specify the association between these factors and the treatment, as well as the outcomes of avulsed permanent incisors in children. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 51 children with 62 avulsed permanent incisors, whose injuries had been managed in the period 1998–2006. The study was prospective, recording the history of the accident, concomitant injuries, age, gender, apical maturity of the root, replantation rate, storage media, extra‐alveolar duration, endodontic treatment, compliance and recall appointments response. Factors were analysed in relation to postoperative outcomes, classified as functional healing (FH), infection‐related (inflammatory) resorption (IRR) and replacement resorption (RR). Results: The average age of patients was 10.7 years (range 7–19). In 16/51 patients, tooth avulsion was caused by a road traffic accident. Avulsion was accompanied by concomitant injuries in all cases. Thirty of 62 avulsed teeth were not replanted and 32 incisors were replanted after dry storage. Time until replantation ranged between 15 min and 9 h (median 60 min). The observation period ranged from 1 to 6 years (median 2 years). FH was observed in 5/32, IRR in 20/32 and RR in 7/32 incisors. Ten teeth were extracted during 5‐years of observation. Immature incisors exhibited significantly more complications compared with mature teeth (P = 0.04). Storage media and extra‐alveolar duration did not significantly affect the survival of replanted teeth (P = 0.253, P = 0.350). Teeth in which endodontic treatment was in temporary phase exhibited significantly more complications in comparison with teeth with completed endodontic treatment (P = 0.0l6). Conclusion: The combination of delayed replantation and unphysiological storage is followed by low survival. Incisors with open apices exhibited lower survival compared with incisors with closed apices. Replanted incisors that required prolonged treatment with calcium hydroxide exhibited more complications compared with incisors with completed root canal treatment.     

Short-term vs long-term calcium hydroxide therapy after immediate tooth replantation: a histomorphometric study in monkey's teeth

Abstract – Endodontic treatment is an important step of tooth replantation protocols, but the ideal moment for definitive obturation of replanted teeth has not yet been established. In this study, a histomorphometric analysis was undertaken to evaluate the repair process on immediate replantation of monkey’s teeth after calcium hydroxide (CH) therapy for 1 and 6 months followed by root canal filling with a CH‐based sealer (Sealapex^®). The maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors of five female Cebus apella monkeys were extracted, kept in sterile saline for 15 min, replanted and splinted with stainless steel orthodontic wire and composite resin for 10 days. In Group I (control), definitive root canal filling was performed before tooth extraction. In Groups II and III, CH therapy started after removal of splint, and definitive root canal filling was performed 1 and 6 months later, respectively. The animals were euthanized 9 months after replantation, and specimens were processed for histomorphometric analysis. In all groups, epithelial attachment occurred at the cementoenamel junction or very close to this region; the areas of resorption on root surface had small extension and depth and were repaired by newly formed cementum; and the periodontal ligament was organized. Statistical analysis of the scores obtained for the histomorphometric parameters did not show any statistically significant difference (P = 0.1221) among the groups. The results suggests that when endodontic treatment is initiated 10 days after immediate replantation and an antibiotic regimen is associated, definitive root canal filling can be performed after a short‐term CH therapy.     

Multidisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of a tooth with two trauma episodes: systematic review and report of a case

Abstract – Studies have shown that some children and adolescents are affected only once with dental trauma, while others seem to be accident‐prone and suffer from multiple dental trauma episodes. Less is known about treatment consequences related to repeated traumatic dental injuries to the same tooth and treatment guidelines are not well established. Complicated crown fractures and crown‐root fractures pose difficulties for dentists to establish adequate treatment plans because these fractures require multidisciplinary knowledge and approach for a correct case planning and prognosis. The objective of this paper was to present and discuss a case of a child who sustained a second trauma to the same tooth following treatment of an earlier sustained crown fracture. The research‐based background for establishment of the treatment plan is discussed. Reattachment of tooth fragment is a minimal invasive and esthetic method. Essential advantage of the reattached teeth is the fact that all the alternative methods as direct adhesive resin reconstruction, veneers and crowns can be performed in case of failure or a refracture. As a consequence of initial trauma, the tooth suffered a complicated crown fracture which was resolved by endodontic therapy and fragment reattachment. During follow‐up, the child suffered a second trauma resulting in dislodgement and fracture of the reattached fragment and a crown‐root fracture extending subgingivally with involvement of the biologic width. A conservative restorative option is described. After 1 year of follow‐up, the clinical and radiographic findings demonstrated that the adopted clinical protocol was successful and yielded healthy periodontal tissues with no signs of periradicular pathosis. The occurrence of repeated traumatic dental injuries to teeth involving conservative management of both crown‐root fracture and complicated crown fracture on the same tooth is extremely rare and a challenge for dental professionals to treat.     

The effect of saline storage before replantation upon dry damage of the periodontal ligament

Abstract The effect of 30 min of saline storage before replantation of teeth, which had been dried out for 30 min, was studied in 10 Green Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Maxillary central incisors were extracted and dried out for 30 min, after which 1 incisor was replanted and the other transferred to a saline solution for 30 min before replantation. No splinting or endodontic treatment was carried out. The teeth were examined after 8 wk. Histometric analysis showed identical extent of root resorption in the 2 groups, with ankylosis being the dominant resorption type, and with very limited pulpal repair in either group. It is concluded that saline storage under the experimental conditions chosen had no effect on development of root resorption or pulpal repair, presumably because 30 min dry storage had inflicted close to maximal damage on the periodontal ligament at the root surface. On the other hand, it is of clinical importance that a certain delay in the replantation procedure does not influence periodontal and pulpal healing, as long as the tooth is kept in saline storage. This suggests that replantation under these conditions can be reserved for dental professionals, rather than favoring immediate replantation by anyone ‘on-the-spot’.     

Revascularization of traumatized teeth assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry: case report

Abstract Infection of the pulp space in addition to the attachment damage of a traumatic injury to a tooth, results in serious complications and often tooth loss. Therefore, the prevention or treatment of root canal infection is a major consideration in these cases. In immature teeth, revascularization of a necrotic pulp is possible and highly desirable. Unfortunately, current sensitivity tests are poor indicators of revascularization, with the result that many pulps are removed unnecessarily. Laser Doppler flowmetry is an objective test of the presence of moving red blood cells within a tissue, which has been reported to be effective in the detection of tooth pulp vitality as well. A case is presented where an eight year old child severely luxated both maxillary central incisors. While only one of the incisors was weakly responsive to CO2 ice at 76 days after replantation, the laser Doppler flowmeter indicated that revascularization was occurring in both teeth at a much earlier lime. Because of the laser Doppler readings, endodontic treatment was not initiated and the teeth developed normally.     

儿童全脱出牙外伤的序列治疗

牙全脱出是儿童时期非常严重的牙外伤之一，通常应对其进行序列治疗，包括应急处理、诊间治疗及长期随访。在外伤发生地，将脱出的牙齿即刻再植或正确地保存患牙并及时就诊能够取得较好的预后。因此，相应的科普宣传和指导至关重要。诊间的治疗计划需要考虑牙周、牙髓的处理和辅助性治疗。牙周治疗计划的制定应根据患牙是否已再植、再植操作是否正确、是否有咬合创伤及牙槽骨是否骨折等，采取相应的处理。而牙髓治疗需根据牙根发育程度、离体时间、保存介质等决定治疗方案。对于根尖未闭合的恒牙，需要慎重权衡牙根吸收的风险与牙髓血运重建的可能性。此外，长期的随访、及时处理并发症也是重要的环节。文章就以上内容做一详细阐述，以期为临床诊疗提供参考。     

Effect of a single dental health education on the management of permanent avulsed teeth by different groups of professionals

Abstract – Introduction: Tooth avulsion is the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket due to intentional or non‐intentional injuries. Treatment in these cases comprises tooth replantation. This accident is very critical as the success of tooth replantation is directly dependent on several factors, such as extra‐alveolar period, storage of the tooth until replantation, type of retention employed, time of endodontic intervention, type of drug prescribed, oral hygiene status as well as general health. This trauma commonly occurs during sports practice, school, and leisure activities. The first measures are critical for the prognosis of the avulsed tooth. Several studies report lack of knowledge of the population, educators, sports professionals, and health professionals in the management of tooth avulsion. This study evaluated the influence of education on different groups of professionals, addressing the knowledge and prevention and emergency management of the avulsed tooth. Method: The study was conducted on five different groups of professionals (elementary school teachers, physical education professionals, bank employees, dental doctors, and pediatricians) from the city of Brasília, DF, Brazil. The professionals attended a lecture and were evaluated by a questionnaire applied twice, before and after the lecture. Results: The results of the 479 returned questionnaires were analyzed. The difference between questionnaires before and after the lecture was statistically analyzed by the Wilcoxon test. There was statistically significant change in the performance of professional groups after information was provided (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Education is extremely important to favor the knowledge on prevention and emergency management of an avulsed tooth, and may enhance the prognosis of tooth avulsion.     

Vital reimplanted tooth in torsiversion: A one-and-half-year follow-up

A 10-year-old boy reported to the dental outpatient department with a chief complaint of a labially placed upper left central incisor and wanted treatment for esthetic reasons. No history of pain, bleeding, or any swelling was reported. Clinical examination revealed that the left upper central incisor was in torsoversion, that is, the palatal side of a tooth in labial position or a tooth rotated along its long axis by 180°. There was a history of traumatic avulsion followed by replantation 2.5 years earlier. No dental treatment was taken by the child. The radiograph showed root fracture in the apical one-third area but with no periapical radiolucent changes. As the tooth was completely asymptomatic and was vital with no periapical changes, no endodontic treatment was planned. Interceptive orthodontic treatment for the labially positioned tooth was undertaken followed by esthetic recontouring with labial crown forms. The case highlights the excellent results of immediate replantation. It also highlights the need for basic education about common dental emergencies, such as avulsion, to schoolchildren, teachers, and primary health-care providers.     

学龄儿童1 54颗恒前牙外伤诊治分析

目的：调查学龄儿童恒前牙外伤的相关因素,评价对脱位牙进行即刻再植治疗的效果。方法：对122例7～12岁学龄儿童恒前牙外伤病例进行调查,了解前牙外伤的相关因素,并对外伤导致的56颗脱落牙进行即刻再植治疗,随访观察1a,评价疗效。结果：跌伤为主要外伤原因,上中切牙受伤最多,左右侧无差异。单个牙外伤在所有年龄组占多数,深覆盖的儿童遭受外伤的几率较大。154颗外伤牙中,冠折89颗,占57．79％：根折9颗,占5．84％：脱位56颗,占36．36％。大多数老师及家长不了解脱位牙保存介质问题。56颗行脱位再植牙,53颗成功,成功率为94．64％。结论：学龄儿童在学校受伤较多,在日常教育中应强调儿童的自我保护意识。外伤导致脱落的年轻恒牙再植成功率高．临床效果良好。     

Prevalence and handedness correlates of traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors in 13–17-year-old adolescents in Erzurum, Turkey

Abstract – The objectives of the present study were to explore the relationship between dental trauma and handedness, and to assess the prevalence of traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors of 13–17‐year‐old patients, seeking treatment for various dental conditions in Erzurum, Turkey. A questionnaire focusing on handedness was administered to these patients. Handedness was assessed by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Oldfield, 1971). Hand preference was divided into two classes for convenience in data analysis: (i) right‐handers (GSc from 80 to 100); and (ii) left‐handers (GSc from ?80 to ?100). This study included the 13–17‐year‐old group patients who had GSc as described above. Thus, the present study was carried out on 2180 (1252 male and 928 female, with a mean age of 14.9 years) out of 2392 patients. The clinical examinations and radiographic assessments were performed in full‐designed dental chairs. Preliminary analysis showed no differences in rates of handedness with respect to sex and age. Overall, 10.4% of the patients were left‐handers. A total of 292 (13.4%) of 2180 patients examined had one or more traumatized permanent incisors. The proportion of dental trauma was significantly higher in males than in females, 17.41% in males as compared to 7.97% in females; and ratio of the affected males to females was about 2.18. Sex difference in the prevalence of traumatized permanent incisors was statistically significant (P < 0.001). That is, males had a significantly higher risk of dental trauma than females (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88, 3.23). There was a higher level of traumatized permanent incisors among left‐handers than among right‐handers. 28.3% of left‐handers and 11.7% of right‐handers had dental trauma. This difference in the prevalence of traumatized permanent incisors for handedness was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Indeed, left‐handers had a significantly higher risk on dental trauma than right‐handers (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 3.09; 95% CI 2.23, 4.29). The primary causative factor in the occurrence of trauma was the fall (27.7%). Then came violence and fight as the second most frequent cause of trauma (24%), followed by sports injury (18.8%). Trauma resulting from collisions and traffic accidents were accounted as 13.7 and 11.3% of all cases, respectively. The other causes were 4.5%. In conclusion, the present study suggests that left‐handed adolescents have more frequent permanent incisor tooth trauma than right‐handed adolescents. Left‐handedness, therefore, appears to be a risk factor for trauma in 13–17‐year‐old adolescents.     

Effect of low‐level laser therapy on the healing process after tooth replantation: a histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis

Abstract – Success of tooth replantation is limited because part of the replanted tooth is lost because of progressive root resorption. This study used histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing process of rat teeth replanted after different extra‐oral periods, simulating immediate and delayed replantation. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) had their maxillary right incisors extracted and randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10): C4, C30 and C45, in which the teeth were replanted 4 min (immediate), 30 min (delayed) and 45 min (delayed) after extraction, respectively, and L4, L30 and L45, in which the teeth were replanted after the same extra‐alveolar times, but the root surfaces and the alveolar wounds were irradiated with a gallium–aluminum–arsenate (GaAlAs) diode laser before replantation. The animals were sacrificed after 60 days. The anatomic pieces containing the replanted teeth were obtained and processed for either histomorphometrical analysis under optical microscopy or immunohistochemical expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa‐B (RANK), and its ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) proteins. Areas of external replacement and inflammatory root resorption were observed in all groups, without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Ankylosis was more frequent in L30 than in C30 (P < 0.05). RANKL immunostaining predominated over RANK and OPG immunostaining in both groups with immediate tooth replantation (P < 0.05). For the 45‐min extra‐alveolar time, however, there was greater evidence of RANK immunostaining compared to RANKL for both control and laser‐treated groups (P < 0.05). Positive TRAP immunostaining predominated in L4 and L30 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, under the tested conditions, the treatment of the root surface and the alveolar wound with LLLT did not improve the healing process after immediate and delayed tooth replantation in rats.     

In the dental implant era,why do we still bother saving teeth?

Teeth are vital sensory organs that contribute to our daily activities of living. Unfortunately, teeth can be lost for several reasons including trauma, caries, and periodontal disease. Although dental trauma injuries and caries are more frequently encountered in a younger population, tooth loss because of periodontal disease occurs in the older population. In the dental implant era, the trend sometimes seems to be to extract compromised teeth and replace them with dental implants. However, the long‐term prognosis of teeth might not be comparable with the prognosis of dental implants. Complications, failures, and diseases such as peri‐implantitis are not uncommon, and, despite popular belief, implants are not 99% successful. Other treatment options that aim to save compromised or diseased teeth such as endodontic treatment, periodontal treatment, intentional replantation, and autotransplantation should be considered on an individual basis. These treatments have competing success rates to dental implants but, more importantly, retain the natural tooth in the dentition for a longer period of time. These options are important to discuss in detail during treatment planning with patients in order to clarify any misconceptions about teeth and dental implants. In the event a tooth does have to be extracted, procedures such as decoronation and orthodontic extrusion might be useful to preserve hard and soft tissues for future dental implant placement. Regardless of the treatment modality, it is critical that strict maintenance and follow‐up protocols are implemented and that treatment planning is ethically responsible and evidence based.     

Socio-economic burden of permanent incisor replantation on children and parents

Abstract – This study describes the socio‐economic burden and attitudes of children and their parents following replantation of avulsed incisors. Records of 80 patients with 99 avulsion injuries treated in a teaching hospital clinic from 1988 to 1999 were reviewed. Mean age at time of injury was 10.6 years (range = 6.6–17.7 years). Complete records for a minimum of 1 year were obtained for 43 patients with 60 replanted incisors. Mean treatment procedures provided during the first year included 5.5 diagnostic periapical radiographs, 1.9 occlusal radiographs, 1.3 pulpectomies, and 2.7 pulp medicament applications. The mean estimated treatment cost and direct time (dentist) for first‐year post‐trauma management was $1465 CAD and 7.2 h, respectively. Treatment costs were significantly higher during the first year post‐trauma for patients who had their incisors extracted (P = 0.04), but there was no significant difference in direct treatment time between the two groups (P = 0.19). Twenty‐one patient–parent pairs were surveyed for a number of qualitative factors. Ninety per cent of patients and 86% of parents reported that school and work time was lost. Even after having gone through the painful experience of replantation, the demands of recall, and in some cases, extraction, the majority of patients (67%) and parents (81%) stated that they would have still made the same (replantation) decision. Patient and parent responses were not statistically different (P = 0.453). Almost half the parents stated they would be willing to pay over $2000 CAD to save an incisor. Patients rated retention of an incisor as significantly more important than infraocclusion. This is the first study to quantify the treatment burden of replantation of avulsion injuries exclusively in the pediatric population. This study describes the socio‐economic burden and responsibilities of patient/parent and dentist and their role in informed consent.     

Treatment of extrusive luxation by intentional replantation

BACKGROUND: The accepted treatment for extrusive luxation is repositioning of the extruded tooth at the earliest possible opportunity. CASE REPORT: Repositioning was not possible in a patient who presented for treatment 4 days after the accident, and therefore, an intentional replantation was performed instead. The tooth was carefully extracted, the blood clot removed from the alveolus and the tooth was then replanted. CONCLUSION: Intentional replantation involves the deliberate removal of a tooth and its reinsertion into the alveolus almost immediately afterwards. It is now an accepted endodontic procedure. The favourable outcome of this case suggests that intentional replantation of severely extruded teeth may be a treatment option in cases where the tooth cannot be repositioned and if treatment conditions are adequately followed.     

Combined technique with glass‐fibre‐reinforced composite post and original fragment in restoration of traumatized anterior teeth – a case report

Abstract – Dentoalveolar trauma is frequently encountered by dental practitioners. In some instances, saving a child’s traumatized permanent teeth can create difficulties for the child, the parents and the dentist. Reattachment of a crown fragment is a conservative treatment that should be considered for crown fractures of anterior teeth. This case describes the clinical reattachment of an original tooth fragment. A 10‐year‐old male presented at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry with a complex crown fracture of the left maxillary central incisor 1 day after the trauma occurred. Following endodontic treatment, a glass‐fibre‐reinforced composite root canal post (FRC Postec^®; Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) was inserted to increase retention and distribute stress along the root. The dental restoration was completed using the original fragment and a dual‐cured resin composite (Variolink^® II; Ivoclar Vivadent AG). Clinical and radiographic examinations at 1‐year recall showed the glass‐fibre‐reinforced composite root canal post and restoration to be in place, indicating the success of the treatment in maintaining the fractured tooth. Thus, we conclude that reattachment of a tooth fragment using a dual‐cured resin composite and a glass‐fibre‐reinforced composite root canal post is an alternative method for the rehabilitation of fractured teeth that offers satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.