Traumatic injuries of the teeth: current treatment modalities.
Teeth that have been traumatized and exhibit craze lines, fracture into enamel, fracture into dentin, root fracture, concussion, or subluxation should be pulp tested 3 months after the accident. If the tooth has a vital pulp, root canal treatment likely will not be required. Teeth that have a crown-root fracture should receive immediate endodontic therapy, and--if needed--can be extruded orthodontically. An intruded tooth should have endodontic therapy the same day, with calcium hydroxide placed into the canal. Teeth that have been extruded, displaced in any direction, or totally avulsed must have the canal completely cleaned, shaped, and filled with calcium hydroxide within 1 or 2 weeks post trauma. Clinical research concerning traumatized teeth is ongoing, and it is incumbent upon each practitioner to keep abreast of the current literature. This review has discussed treatment modalities that are recommended at this time.
Mehlman
Edwin S
ES
University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry, USA. mehlmane@ada.org
D006801:Humans; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000628:therapy*