Treatment of traumatized permanent incisors with crown and root fractures: a case report

Abstract – A case report of the treatment of permanent incisors with crown and root fractures is presented. A radiolucent lesion at the fracture lines was treated with calcium hydroxide in the coronal fragments for 18 months. Clinically, the teeth became firm and the radiographic results after 2 years showed healing of the lesion and hard tissue filling in the space at the fracture lines.     

Prognosis of root-fractured permanent incisors

Abstract The prognosis of 56 root-fractured permanent incisors was evaluated clinically and radiographically for 2 to 31 years. Information about initial case histories, examination and treatment of root-fractured teeth were recorded retrospectively from patient cards. Most of the-root fractures occurred in the 16–20 year age group (38%) followed by the 11–15 year age group (29%). Males were involved more often than females. Fifty-two percent of the patients visited the dental clinic with in the first week, while 48% did so 1 month-31 years later alter the injury. The leading cause of root fractured injuries was falls (46%) and mostly involved one tooth (71%). Maxillary central incisors were the most often affected teeth (95%). The most common type of root fracture was in the middle third of the root (57%) followed by apical part (34%). About 59% of untreated or splinted teeth maintained their vitality. Healing with connective tissue was observed in 19 teeth, with calcified tissue in 15 teeth and with osseous tissue in only one tooth. There was partial or complete obliteration of the pulp space in these healed cases (62.5%). The formation of pulpal hard tissue produced no additional clinical problems. Partial or total pulp necrosis were noted in 21 (37.5%) teeth. Endodontic treatment was successful in 12 cases. The remaining 9 teeth were extracted due to the loss of marginal alveolar bone and apical periodontitis.     

Delayed endodontic and prosthetic treatment of two traumatized incisors

Abstract This case report describes the delayed endodontic and prosthetic treatment of two maxillary central incisors in a 16-year-old patient. Both teeth had been traumatized eight years previously. The examination revealed arrested root formation with wide open apices, periapical inflammation and inflammatory resorption. Endodontic treatment with calcium hydroxide led to formation of hard tissue barriers in both teeth so that definite obturation could be performed. One tooth was lost due to a deep crown-root-fracture and replaced by an intraosseous implant, whereas the other incisor was retained for nearly four years.     

Long-term effect of different treatment modalities for traumatized primary incisors presenting dark coronal discoloration with no other signs of injury

Abstract –  The aim was to compare the long-term outcomes of root canal treatment with that of follow-up-only in traumatized primary incisors in which dark discoloration is the only sign of injury. Root canal treatment was performed in 48 dark discolored asymptomatic primary incisors following trauma. Twenty-five of them [root canal treatment (RCT) group] were followed till eruption of their permanent successors. Ninety-seven dark discolored asymptomatic primary incisors were left untreated and invited for periodic clinical and radiographic examination. Of these, 28 [follow-up (FU) group] were followed till eruption of their permanent successors. The parameters examined included early extraction of the traumatized primary incisor, early or delayed eruption of the permanent successors, ectopic eruption of the permanent successor and signs of enamel hypopcalcification or hypoplasia in the permanent successor. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Seven of 25 (28%) of the RCT group and 32% (nine of 28) of the FU group required early extraction. Five of 25 (20%) of the RCT group and 21% (six of 28) of the FU group showed early or delayed eruption of the permanent successors. Sixteen of 25 (64%) of the RCT group and 79% (22 of 28) of the FU group showed ectopic eruption of the permanent successors. Enamel hypopcalcification or hypoplasia in the permanent successors was equally found (36%) in both groups (nine of 25 in the RCT group and 10 of 28 in the FU group). None of differences was statistically significant. Root canal treatment of primary incisors that had change their color into a dark-gray hue following trauma with no other clinical or radiographic symptom is not necessary as it does not result in better outcomes in the primary teeth and their permanent successors.     

Treatment of traumatized primary teeth: a conservative approach

This retrospective study examined some different types of treatment to primary teeth. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment of traumatized primary teeth and the importance of a long-term follow up. Brazilian children in the age group of 1-4 years from a baby clinic took part in the study. Three hundred and fifteen patients suffered some type of traumatic injury, a total of 338 affected teeth. Data were registered in specific records and submitted to statistic analysis. The most prevalent type of treatment was monitor only (85%) followed by tooth extraction and endodontic procedure. Invasive treatments were performed in case of severe traumas, usually 6 months after the injury. We verified that a careful follow up might be the preferential choice to the treatment of traumatic primary teeth even in some severe cases.     

Impact resistance of crowned endodontically treated central incisors with internal composite cores

Abstract The impact fracture resistance of crowned endodontically treated teeth with composite cores but without posts, that had either no coronal dentin remaining or a 1mm dentin collar was compared to that of unrestored, caries free teeth. The teeth were struck mid-labially to simulate a common trauma situation using a pendulum device and fracture1 resistance determined by calculation of absorbed energies. No significant difference was found between the intact teeth and the-crowned root treated teeth with composite core and a 1mm dentin collar. Crowned loot treated teeth with a composite core but no coronal dentin had significantly reduced fracture resistance (p < 0.05). Teeth with the dentin collar mainly fractured obliquely from the bueeal crown margin to a point coincident with the simulated alveolus, representing a clinical situation which would allow retention rather than extraction of the tooth.     

Divergent types of repair associated with root fractures in maxillary incisors

Abstract Calcium hydroxide was successfully used as a temporary intracanal filling material in the treatment of 2 teeth with horizontal root fractures. Radiographic examination indicated that two different types of repair had occurred. The first was healing with calcified tissue and the second was healing with hone and connective tissue. The patient was seen at a 1-year post-treatment follow-up and there was substantial evidence of repair around both roots.     

Tube-like mineralization in the dental pulp of traumatized primary incisors

Abstract— Mineralization in the pulp is a common finding in permanent as well as primary teeth and is associated with caries, aging, traumatic injuries and systemic conditions. This article describes an unusual pattern of pulpal calcification. A tube-like calcified structure formed in the dental pulp of primary incisors following mild traumatic injuries. It was studied by clinical, radiographic and histologic evaluation and by scanning electron microscopy.
The tube-like structure was found to estend along the entire length of the pulp canal. Generally it was separated from the root dentin by normal pulp tissue, but was connected to the dentin in some sites. It had the histologic appearance of osteodentin with cell inclusions in a ring-like formation that was incomplete in places. The scanning electron microscope study showed rough inner and outer surfaces of a tube-like structure with openings that seemed to be dentinal tubules.     

Different clinical outcomes following root fractures of adjacent incisors: a case report

AIM: To report different patterns of root fracture healing in adjacent maxillary central incisors with distinct post-treatment outcomes. SUMMARY: To describe the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with an avulsed coronal fragment of tooth 11 and root fractures in the middle thirds of teeth 11 and 21. Four months after initial treatment, she was referred for specialized endodontic care. Tooth 11 presented no clinical or radiographic signs of pulp breakdown. However a sinus tract was found related to the middle root third of tooth 21, indicating pulp necrosis in the coronal fragment. The coronal fragment was root filled and periapical surgery was performed to remove the apical fragment. Twelve months after the clinical procedures and 16 months after trauma, hard tissue healing was evident in tooth 11 region. Bone healing was also satisfactory in the periapical region of tooth 21. *Even adjacent teeth may display different reaction patterns after trauma. *The prognosis of root fractures is variable and different clinical approach may be required to preserve teeth with fractured roots.     

Long-term follow-up of severely resorbed maxillary incisors after resolution of an etiologically associated impacted canine

BACKGROUND: Resorption of maxillary incisor roots because of an impacted canine is a well-recognized phenomenon that occurs in a surprisingly high proportion of patients with impacted canines. In this retrospective study, we studied a sample of patients in whom the resorption was particularly severe. METHODS: The sample consisted of 11 patients (age, 11.8 +/- 1.2 years) with 20 severely resorbed maxillary incisors. The amount of resorption was measured at the outset (T1), when the impacted canine was distanced from the incisor root area (T2), at the completion of the orthodontic treatment (T3), and at a follow-up appointment at least 1 year posttreatment (T4). RESULTS: A 17.2% increase in the crown/root ratio occurred due to aggressive continued resorption between T1 and T2. The resorption rate reduced to an almost insignificant level, despite continued and often appreciable orthodontic movement of the resorbed teeth from T2 to T3. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with impacted canines should be screened for resorption and the impacted tooth treated as soon as possible. The resorption process can be halted and the affected tooth moved orthodontically without further risk of resorption. In the long term, with early treatment, even severely resorbed teeth do not suffer from increased mobility or discoloration and might not require splinting.     

Effect of luxation type on pulpal blood flow measurements: a long-term follow-up of luxated permanent maxillary incisors

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive method to assess pulpal blood-flow (PBF). Dental injury has been associated with significant PBF reduction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether (i) the type of luxation trauma may affect PBF measurements and (ii) whether luxation type-related measurements may show short- and long-term changes of PBF values. In 41 trauma patients, 69 maxillary incisor treated by repositioning and splinting, and the respective contralateral homologous tooth were investigated by LDF to assess local PBF values. Perfusion units were recorded in four sessions, on the day of splint removal, and 12, 24 and 36 weeks after splint removal. Statistical analysis consisted of univariate analysis of variance for repeated measurements. For the LDF measurements, the main effect of the variable 'session' was not significant (P = 0.119). However, there was a significant 'session'/'luxation type' interaction (P = 0.000). Analysis of simple session-within-luxation type effects revealed intrusive luxations to be associated with a significant decrease in PBF values (P = 0.000), while subluxations (P = 0.568), lateral luxations (P = 0.980), extrusive luxations (P = 0.910), and avulsions (P = 0.996) showed no significant difference between session-related values. The PBF measurements did not change over time for the contralateral incisors (P = 0.996). The LDF may become useful in the detection of pulpal ischaemic episodes in luxated maxillary incisors after repositioning and splinting. Further studies are warranted to assess the validity of the diagnosis of post-traumatic 'ischaemic episodes' by comparing it with histological tooth pulp changes, and by determining how well it may predict course and response to treatments in clinical trials.     

Survival of avulsed permanent maxillary incisors in children following delayed replantation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the variables that significantly influenced the survival of incisors replanted after extended extraalveolar duration at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, between June 1988 and December 1993. Survival analysis was used to identify variables that significantly influence the retention of replanted incisor teeth. Survival was defined as the time that elapsed between the replantation of an avulsed incisor and the time it was finally lost. Information on 9 variables was collected for 3H patients (25 males; 13 females) and 52 replanted permanent maxillary incisors. The mean extraalveolar duration for the sample was 123 min. The mean follow-up interval was 942 days (range: 364–2126 days). Incisors replanted with open apices had a significantly decreased survival compared with teeth with mature apices (P=0.04; relative risk 4.2). There was also a significant association between increased survival and obturation of the root canal with gutta-percha and sealer P=0.006 relative risk 10.0). A trend towards improved survival of replanted incisors was found for children older than I 1 years old at the time of replantation (P= 0.09; relative risk 2.8). These results are consistent with previous studies and may assist clinicians and parents in the decision-making process associated with the management of avulsed teeth in children.     

The esthetic outcome of autotransplanted premolars replacing maxillary incisors

Abstract  – Autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace maxillary incisors has been documented to provide physiologically sound results, but comprehensive studies of the esthetic outcome have not been made previously. In order to assess the applicability of this approach and to identify factors important for planning of treatment, 22 autotransplanted premolars reshaped to incisor morphology were compared to their natural, contralateral maxillary incisors by scoring of features considered important for esthetics (color, soft tissue appearance, tooth morphology, and position). The sum of scores for each feature was used to place the reshaped transplant in one of three categories – Match, Deviate, Mismatch. The 22 patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire which addressed the same features that were examined professionally, and the responses were categorized as either Satisfied, Acceptable, or Dissatisfied. Eleven of the 22 patients had received orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances following the transplantation. Most of the transplanted premolars matched the contralateral incisor, and the majority of patients were satisfied with the appearance of the transplant. Fourteen percentage of the transplants were categorized as Mismatch and 18% of patients reported dissatisfaction. The distribution in categories assessed professionally and by the patients was not significantly different. The color and gingival width of the transplanted tooth were scored as different from the natural incisor in about half of the bilateral comparisons. For those teeth categorized professionally as Mismatch and by patients as Dissatisfied, a potential for esthetic improvement could be identified, as allocation to these categories was primarily due to suboptimal positioning and restorative build-up of the transplant. Inter-disciplinary planning is important for successful esthetic results.     

Laser Doppler flow investigation of fractured permanent maxillary incisors

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive method to assess pulpal blood-flow (PBF). Dental injury has been associated with losses of pulpal sensibility. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of splint therapy on tooth fracture type-related PBF values. In 15 trauma patients, a single maxillary incisor treated by repositioning and splinting was investigated by LDF to assess local PBF values. Perfusion units were taken in four sessions, on the day of splint removel, and 12, 24 and 36 weeks after splint removal. Analysis of the tooth fracture type-related PBF measurements revealed root fractures to be associated with a significant decrease (P < 0.05) and uncomplicated crown fractures to be associated with a significant increase in PBF values (P < 0.05), while complicated crown fractures showed no significant difference between the session-related values (P > 0.05). The main findings of this study suggest splint therapy of root fractures of the central maxillary incisor to be associated with a short- and long-term decrease in PBF values. The LDF may become useful in the detection of transient ischaemic episodes and the identification of teeth at risk for adverse sequelae such as avascular necrosis and tissue loss.     

Severe lateral luxation and root fracture: report of a case with 5-year follow-up

Abstract— A case of severe lateral luxation and root fracture in upper incisors is reported. Treatment involved the repositioning and fixation of the injured teeth and endodontic treatment with calcium hydroxide. The importance of long-term follow-up is emphasized.     

Etched metal prostheses to retain severely traumatized teeth in function

Abstract Acid-etch retained appliances of the Rochette and Maryland designs have proved valuable for the replacement of permanent anterior teeth in adolescents and adults. This article describes 2 patients for whom traumatized teeth of poor or “hopeless” prognosis were retained by splinting them to their neighbours with a Maryland-type etched cast framework. Appearance and function have been maintained over several years, while the need for extraction and the provision of a conventional fixed prosthesis has been delayed or avoided.     

Apex formation during orthodontic treatment in an adult patient: report of a case

This clinical report describes an apexification procedure on a maxillary left central incisor in a 34-year-old male who was also receiving active orthodontic treatment. The pulp of the tooth had become necrotic following a traumatic injury when the patient was 8 years of age. Despite the tooth undergoing active orthodontic repositioning with fixed appliances, root-end closure occurred uneventfully and within 3 years.     

螺旋扩弓器治疗上颌骨矢状骨折临床分析

目的:探讨螺旋扩弓矫治器在上颌骨矢状骨折非手术治疗中的应用.方法:将上颌螺旋扩弓矫治器开大后埋入自凝塑料中,逐渐关闭螺旋扩弓器,缩小裂隙,最终关闭骨折间隙,恢复正常咬合关系.结果:正畸矫治14～21d,上颌中切牙间隙关闭,后牙关系恢复至外伤前状态,保持3个月骨折复位效果好、愈合稳定.结论:上颌螺旋扩弓矫治器应用于上颌骨矢状骨折的非手术治疗,创伤小,效果好.     

Long-term follow-up of maxillary incisors with severe apical root resorption

The purpose of the study was to analyse the mobility of teeth with severe orthodontically induced root resorption, at follow-up several years after active treatment, and to evaluate mobility in relation to root length and alveolar bone support. Seventy-three maxillary incisors were examined in 20 patients, 10-15 years after active treatment in 13 patients (age 24-32 years) and 5-10 years after active treatment in seven patients (age 20-25 years). All had worn fixed or removable retainers; seven still had bonded twistflex retainers. Total root length and intra-alveolar root length were measured on intra-oral radiographs. Tooth mobility was assessed clinically according to Miller's Index (0-4) and the Periotest method. Crestal alveolar bone level, periodontal pocket depth, gingival, and plaque indices, occlusal contacts during occlusion and function, and dental wear were recorded. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between tooth mobility, and total root length and intra-alveolar root length. No correlation was found between tooth mobility and retention with twistflex retainers. None of the variables for assessment of periodontal status, occlusion and function were related to total root length or tooth mobility. It is concluded that there is a risk of tooth mobility in a maxillary incisor that undergoes severe root resorption during orthodontic treatment, if the remaining total root length is < or = 9 mm. The risk is less if the remaining root length is > 9 mm. Follow-up of teeth with severe orthodontically induced root resorption is indicated.