Decision-making in the management of complicated crown fractures in children

Abstract

Complicated crown fractures of permanent teeth following dental trauma in children are a common presentation in the dental practice. The prognosis of these teeth largely depends on the emergency management provided by the dentist. Treatment options include direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy. While both have been suggested as possible vital pulp therapies for the management of complicated crown fractures, there are no clear recommendations as to when each procedure is indicated to aid the clinician in decision making. This narrative review aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the optimal management of complicated crown fractures in children. The factors affecting success rates of both direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy are discussed and a step-by-step guide to carrying out a partial pulpotomy is presented. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article will assist clinicians in making an evidence-based decision for the optimal management of complicated crown fractures of permanent teeth in children.