Clinical and epidemiological study of traumatic root fractures

Dent Traumatol. 2002 Apr;18(2):77-80. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-9657.2002.180206.x.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the prevalence and clinical presentation of root fractures in a series of patients with dental trauma. Treatment strategies were classified and outcomes after a 6-month period presented. The study population comprised 76 patients (between the ages of 2 and 55 years) with 93 root fractures in their teeth (18 primary, 75 permanent). Data were collected following the taking of a detailed clinical history, objective clinical examination and photographic and radiological investigation. Since most of the primary teeth were extracted, only cases with root fracture of permanent teeth were followed-up: in all, 24 patients with 31 teeth with root fractures. The prevalence of root fractures in permanent teeth was 7.7% of all injuries, while in primary teeth it was 3.8%. The most frequently involved teeth were the maxillary incisors with a percentage of 75% in permanent teeth. Moreover, 40% of root fractures in permanent teeth were associated with fracture of the alveolar bone and of the soft tissues and in 45% of cases, the adjacent teeth were also injured. The results of this study reaffirm the necessity for scrupulous diagnosis of teeth after a traumatic injury. Adjacent teeth and those in the opposing arch should not be ignored. Treatment is multidisciplinary, requiring surgical, orthodontic, operative and prosthetic compliance. Periodic check-up is essential.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alveolar Process / injuries
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dental Pulp Calcification / etiology
  • Dental Pulp Calcification / therapy
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / etiology
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / therapy
  • Dentition, Permanent
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incisor / injuries
  • Jaw Fractures / complications
  • Maxilla / injuries
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Root Resorption / etiology
  • Root Resorption / therapy
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Tooth Fractures / complications*
  • Tooth Fractures / epidemiology*
  • Tooth Fractures / therapy
  • Tooth Root / injuries*
  • Tooth, Deciduous