[Long-term outcome of dentoalveolar trauma in relation to post-traumatic instability].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of dental injuries. Subluxated and laterally luxated teeth were evaluated according to the findings of CO2 sensitivity, obliteration, pulpal sclerosis, and the duration of post-traumatic fixation of the injured teeth.


METHODS
The data of 725 patients were analyzed retrospectively over a period of 14 years. Of these, 108 patients could be investigated for a long-term follow-up. Dental trauma was classified according to the degree of luxation (I-III).


RESULTS
There was a significant correlation between the degree of luxation and the post-traumatic findings of CO2 sensitivity. There was no significant correlation between the degree of luxation and the post-traumatic findings of apical inflammation, pulpal sclerosis, and/or obliteration. Long-term fixation of injured teeth had no effect on the short- and long-term occurrence of pathologic processes at the root such as root resorption.


CONCLUSIONS
The post-traumatic finding of CO2 sensitivity was related to the degree of luxation of the injured teeth. Apical inflammation, pulpal sclerosis, and obliteration were not related to the degree of luxation. The results suggest that long-term fixation of injured teeth has no negative effects on the long-term outcomes of subluxated and laterally luxated teeth.
Jank
S
S
Klinische Abteilung für Mund-, Kiefer und Gesichtschirurgie, Universität Innsbruck, Maximilianstrasse 10, A-6020 Innsbruck, Osterreich. siegfried.jank@gmx.de
Norer
B
B
Maurer-Stockinger
S
S
Emshoff
R
R
Röthler
G
G
Strobl
H
H
Waldhart
E
E
D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000473:pathology; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012598:Sclerosis; D020254:Tooth Ankylosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014084:Tooth Avulsion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology