Management of an avulsed permanent tooth and follow-up for 48 months

Abstract

Avulsion is considered one of the most severe traumatic dental injuries. It involves the complete displacement of the tooth out of its socket with the consequent damage to the pulp and periodontal ligament. The prognosis is significantly influenced by the actions taken at the place and moment of the accident and subsequently. The tooth must be replanted immediately, but if this is not possible, time, storage media and professional management are some of the transcendental factors. Objective: To report the management and follow up for a period of 48 months of an avulsed permanent tooth. Case presentation: An 8-year-old patient attended the Department of Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires, 30 minutes after falling, suffering avulsion of the upper right central incisor, kept in a container with milk. The tooth was replanted and splinted using composite resins. Later, pulp treatment and clinical and radiographic controls were conducted, with a follow-up of 48 months. At present, the tooth is healthy and functional. Conclusion: The short extra-alveolar period, the adequate storage medium, the clinical management and the compliance of the patient and his parents contributed to the optimal healing of the periodontal ligament.