Background: Avulsion of the permanent teeth is one of the most serious oral health problems among active children and adolescents. Traumatized patients require immediate and correct treatment in order to restore damaged structures and function that have major impact on daily patient's life. As a result, proper guidelines and fast treatment methods are necessary. This case report discusses treatment of maxillary right central incisor with an open apex that had been avulsed and replanted. We review applied treatment procedures to manage dental avulsion and restore function and aesthetics.
Methods: A 10-year-old male presented with avulsion of his maxillary right central incisor as a result of unintentional playground injury. The tooth had been stored dry before the patient received immediate care. The avulsed tooth was reimplanted and splinted. The applied treatment procedures include endodontic and restorative treatment as well as careful follow-up visits.
Results: The patient underwent endodontic therapy of his maxillary right central incisor with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament in apexification technique and the closure of apex was achieved. Canal was obturated and the tooth was restored with composite resin. Clinical and radiographic imaging follow-up showed endodontic success with closed apex. However, severe infra-position of maxillary right central incisor developed due to ankylosis.
Conclusions: Ankylosis due to tooth avulsion is a common complication of reimplanted permanent incisors and must be taken into consideration. While addressing ankylosis and its results is supported by little evidence, every case must be diagnosed correctly and treated according to its negative outcomes.
Keywords: ankylosis of teeth; tooth avulsion; tooth reimplantation.