Dental trauma: part 2. Managing poor prognosis anterior teeth – treatment options for the subsequent space in a growing patient

Abstract

Part 1 concentrated on implications of dental trauma especially prior to and during orthodontic treatment. This paper examines the literature supporting various treatment options for poor prognosis anterior teeth and subsequent space generated when these teeth are lost. The role of an interdisciplinary team in managing this clinical situation is essential to obtain optimal results and an orthodontist is an essential member. Although some treatment options are not provided by orthodontists it is important that they have some knowledge of these and the latest research that support their use. Other techniques lie very much within the orthodontic remit.

Treatment options can be split into maintaining the failing tooth or extraction and restoration of the edentulous gap. This paper reviews various treatment options including periodontal regeneration, surgical repositioning and distraction osteogenesis, composite build up to incisal levels and decoronation when maintaining a failing tooth. When extraction and restoration of edentulous gap is required the following treatment modalities are discussed: extraction technique to retain bone quantity, orthodontic space closure and opening (site development), autotransplantation, partial denture, resin bonded bridge and implants. All these options should be considered and available to an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal care of children with anterior teeth of poor prognosis.