Root fracture - Treatment Guidelines


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Treatment

No treatment
If the coronal fragment is not displaced no treatment is required.

Extraction
If the coronal fragment is displaced, repositioning and splinting might be considered. Otherwise extract only that fragment. The apical fragment should be left to be resorbed.

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, restrict the use of a pacifier.

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

Clinical control after 1 week. Clinical and radiographic control after 6-8 weeks and 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.