Conservative Approach for Traumatic Anterior Crown-Root Fractured Teeth by Orthodontic Extrusion using Customized Mini-Tube Appliance: A Clinical Review

A complicated crown-root fracture is a fracture involving enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Because crown fracture generally extends below the gingival margin, several options may be indicated to expose the margins before permanent restoration. Among them, orthodontic extrusion is the most non-invasive treatment option. In this case report, a case of traumatic crown-root fracture of the maxillary incisor was managed by root canal treatment with fiber-reinforced ceramic post-placement followed by orthodontic extrusion using a customized mini-tube appliance technique. Then, the porcelain fused zirconia crown was restored. Traumatized orthodontic extruded teeth have shown a reliable prognosis without inflammatory signs nor complications after a 15-month follow-up.

Exploring the Biological Width in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Biological width (BW) is the distance established from the junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment to the root surface of a tooth. It acts as a natural seal protecting the tooth from infections and diseases. The normal dimension of it is 2.04 mm on average. A periodontal probe is used to determine BW in routine clinical practice. Various methods are available for the determination of BW. A diagnosis of BW violation is asserted when the distance is found to be less than 2 mm at single or multiple locations. Gingival health is of utmost importance when considering the long-term health of the tooth as well as any restoration. A plethora of BW violations can lead to a myriad of complications, which are discussed briefly in this article. The article also aims to highlight BW in relation to restorative margins and implants and its clinical assessment as well as shed light on the procedure that can be employed to correct BW violations in dental practice.

Effects of different splinting times on surgically extruded teeth with a crown-root fracture: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/AIM

Clinical studies evaluating the splinting time for surgically extruded teeth with crown-root fractures are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare 2-week splinting versus functional splinting times after surgical extrusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Children aged 8-13 years who presented with crown-root fractures were included. Surgical extrusion was performed, and teeth were splinted either for 2 weeks or until normal Periotest values were achieved (functional splinting time). The outcome measures were tooth mobility, tooth loss, root resorption, marginal bone resorption and ankylosis. Measurements were taken at baseline, weekly after splint removal, and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included in the analysis. Surgically extruded teeth splinted for 2 weeks showed significantly higher mobility directly after splint removal and at 1 month after splinting compared with the functional splinting time group. The mean differences for horizontal Periotest values were 14.96 (95% confidence interval: 8.52, 21.39) and 6.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.25, 13), respectively. The vertical Periotest values were 10.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.95, 18.99) and 4.81 (95% confidence interval: -1.57, 11.18), respectively. At the 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. One tooth in the 2-week splinting group was lost. None of the teeth had ankylosis, marginal bone resorption or root resorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Although both groups showed neither statistical nor clinically significant differences after 12 months, there was a significant difference immediately after splint removal, with greater tooth mobility in the 2-week splinting group. Thus, a functional splinting time (4-6 weeks) can be suggested for better healing and optimal stability to allow placement of the final restoration directly after splint removal.

The Complications of Biologic Width in Esthetic Anterior Restorations: A Case Report and Review

The biologic width is a specific concept that refers to the dimensional relationship between epithelial attachment, sulcus depth, connective tissue attachment, and alveolar crest. A harmony and precise relationship between periodontal tissue and the restoration of the teeth is fundamental to ensure function and esthetic. Biologic width includes both the connective tissue attachment and the junctional epithelium and has a mean dimension of approximately 2 mm. Violation of biologic width can result in localized crestal bone loss, gingival recession, localized gingival hyperplasia, or a combination of these three. Maintenance of gingival health is one of the keys to the longevity of both the teeth and restorations. A clinical crown lengthening procedure is needed to establish the biologic width, in a condition where a restored tooth developed a subgingival caries, fractured below the gingival attachment or failed crown restoration. This article presents a case reports and review that utilized gingivectomy procedures to corrected the complications because of the violation of biologic width.

A Novel Regenerative Technique Combining Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 With Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 for Circumferential Defects in Dog Incisors

BACKGROUND

Periodontal regeneration of incisors is necessary for esthetic recovery. A novel regenerative method combining bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 was developed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate periodontal healing, including root coverage, in circumferential defects of incisors.

METHODS

Fifty incisors in five beagles were used. After circumferential defects were surgically created, each group, consisting of ten recipient sites, received: 1) a double layer with FGF-2 (2 μg)/collagen as inner layer and BMP-2 (4 μg)/collagen as outer layer (FB-DL group); 2) collagen impregnated with both FGF-2 (2 μg) and BMP-2 (4 μg) (FB-M group); 3) BMP-2 (4 μg)/collagen (B group); 4) FGF-2 (4 μg)/collagen (F group); or 5) collagen (C group). Dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks post-surgery, and healing was evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

The three groups treated with BMP-2 showed enhanced new bone formation compared with control and F groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, connective tissue attachment with cementum regeneration in the FB-DL group was significantly greater than in FB-M and B groups (P <0.05). Ankylosis in the FB-DL group was significantly less than in FB-M and B groups (P <0.05). Gingival recession was inhibited significantly better in FB-DL and FB-M groups compared with control and B groups.

CONCLUSION

These data support development of a double-layer method combining BMP-2 and FGF-2 as a therapeutic approach to periodontal regeneration at incisors with horizontal circumferential defects.