Post-trauma root fracture in teeth with incomplete root development: A case report

Abstract

Objective: Oblique root fractures consist of multiple, angled fracture lines extending from the root canal to the periodontal membrane along the long axis of the tooth. Oblique root fractures are injuries with poor prognosis which are rarely observed in teeth in which the root development is complete. Methods: A clinical and radiological inspection was performed of an eight-year-old patient who presented at our clinic for dental trauma. Luxation and oblique sectional root fractures in the maxillary incisors were found. The patient’s root development was incomplete. He was treated with dental reposition. Fixation to the adjacent primary canine teeth was carried out using a 0.4 mm full circle orthodontic wire for fractured teeth with a semi-rigid splint. Stabilization of the teeth was ensured to protect the vitality of the fractured teeth. A splint was inserted under local anaesthesia and removed a month later. Results: The absence of pathological symptoms was determined radiologically and clinically. It was shown during a radiological examination of the patient a year later that root development inthe teeth with a root fracture had continued. There were no pathological complications. Conclusion: The current study finding of high recovery potential in young permanent teeth with root fracture is supported by those of other studies in the literature. Recovery in this case was successful because the patient presented timeously at the clinic after the trauma, there was a lack of infection, and the splint was only in situ for a month.