Crown-root fracture without 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. Most of these may be deferred to later treatment.

  • 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, remove the mobile fragment.
  • Extraction
    Extraction 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 and apply chlorhexidine 0.1 % topically to the affected area with cotton swabs twice a day for one week. 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, increased mobility 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 control after 1 week. Clinical and radiographic control after 3-4 weeks. Clinical control after 1 year.

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.