Crown-root fracture with pulp involvement - Treatment Guidelines


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Localization of fracture line

The fracture involves the crown and root of the tooth and is in a horizontal or diagonal plane. A radiographic examination usually only reveals the coronal part of the fracture and not the apical portion.

Treatment

Depending on the clinical findings, two treatment scenarios may be considered.

  • Fragment removal only if the fracture involves only a small part of the root and the stable fragment is large enough to allow coronal restoration.
  • Extration in all other instances.

Patient instructions

Soft food for 10-14 days.

Good healing following an injury to the teeth and oral tissues depends, in part, on good oral hygiene. Brush with a soft brush after every meal. This is beneficial to prevent accumulation of plaque and debris along with recommending a soft diet.

Parents should be further advised about possible complications that may occur, like swelling or fistula. Children may not complain about pain; however, infection may be present and parents should watch for signs of swelling of the gums and bring the child in for treatment.

Follow-up

In case of fragment removal only: Clinical and radiographic control at 1 year and every year until eruption of the permanent successor.

In case of tooth extration: Clinical and radiographic control at 1 year and every year until eruption of the permanent successor.

Dental Trauma Guide 2010 - produced in cooperation with the Resource Centre for Rare Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery
at the University Hospital of Copenhagen - Last edited the 07-01-2014.