Present status and future directions: Endodontic management of traumatic injuries to permanent teeth

Abstract

The prognosis of traumatized teeth depends largely on the fate of the pulp and its treatment. This review aims to update the present status on the endodontic management of traumatic injuries to permanent teeth and to identify relevant research areas that could contribute to an improvement in diagnosis and treatment of traumatized permanent teeth. Future research should pay greater attention to (1) diagnostic methods to assess the perfusion of the pulp and enhance detection of tooth cracks and initial signs of root resorption; (2) improved materials for vital pulp treatment; (3) studies focusing on type and duration of splinting after root fractures; (4) antiresorptive intracanal medication in case of posttraumatic pulp necrosis and infection-related resorption and (5) long-term data on the apical barrier technique compared to revitalization.