Crown fracture, uncomplicated

UNCOMPLICATED CROWN FRACTURE

Enamel infraction: No treatment is required, but periodic recalls should be performed.

Enamel fracture: Most often a slight contouring of the fractured angel will provide an esthetic result.

Enamel-dentin fracture: The most accident-prone time is between 8 and 11 years. This implies that a traumatized tooth most often has an open apical foramen, a wide root canal and fragile dentinal walls in the cervical area. The overall aim of all treatment is preservation of a vital pulp to allow continued root formation and physiologic dentin apposition in the critical cervical area. In crown fractured teeth involving dentin, the pulp should be protected against external irritants as quickly as possible.

Treatment principles:
* Protect the pulp.
* Restore the fractured crown.

CHOICES OF CROWN RESTORATION

A. Temporary crown restoration (emergency composite bandage) The procedure is to cover the exposed surface with calcium hydroxide. After etching, rinsing and drying of the enamel, a layer of light-curing composite resin is applied.

When should a temporary restoration be preferred? One example is when the childs general health condition is also affected. Another example is when an associated luxation injury requires immediate fixation.

B. Reattachment of a fractured crown fragment.
C. Composite build-up.