Non-Vital Root Submergence for Preservation of Socket in an Adolescent - A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Complex crown root fracture has been reported to be 5 % among the traumatic injuries to permanent teeth. In children, when fracture line extended sub gingivally, the treatment option remained was the extraction of tooth. This extraction led to alveolar bone loss and compromised the outcome of final prosthesis. Root submergence is one of the treatments options which can prevent bone loss and prepare future pontic site in a better way. In children, this technique can prevent not only bone loss but also the occurrence of space loss and development of tongue thrusting habit. Crown-root fracture is defined as a fracture involving enamel, dentin and cementum. It is reported in about 5 % of dental trauma to young children where root completion has not occurred.1 Treatment of these complex tooth fractures in aesthetic zone in growing age is always challenging for the paedodontists. The treatment should not interfere with the growth and development. Depending upon the extension of the fracture line which can result in exposure of the pulpal tissue, the crown-root fracture can be divided into two groups: complicated and uncomplicated. 2 Treatment options in cases of complicated crownroot fractures are complex, and require a multidisciplinary approach. Dental traumatology guideline and American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry has suggested fragment reattachment, orthodontic or surgical extrusion of apical portion followed by post placement, root submergence and extraction. 3 Factors like extension and direction of fracture line, pulpal involvement, tooth maturity and the length of root remaining in the alveolus govern the treatment choice. 4,5 Among above mentioned factors, position of facture line is the most important. As in case of subgingival facture line, risk of bacterial contamination is present and further this may result in gingival inflammation.6 When crown root fracture to permanent tooth occurs in mixed dentition period, goals of treatment are to preserve the tooth in arch without disturbing the growth & development of root and arch. But in case of complicated crown root fracture, when extraction is the only choice of treatment, future complications like space loss, crowding, habits like tongue thrusting and importantly loss of alveolar bone height should be kept in mind. Goals of treatment plan in such cases should be elimination of space loss, development of deleterious habit and maintenance of alveolar ridge for future pontic or implant site. Root submergence is the technique with which we can achieve these goals, keeping this in mind this case was planned and reported.