Reattachment of a Fractured Central Incisor Segment: A Case Report

Abstract

Fractured anterior teeth from accidental falls and sports injuries are very common amongst teenagers and young adults. Management of such critical emergencies is time sensitive for preserving the health of traumatized teeth. Timely management also helps in reassuring the patient and instilling confidence in regards to ideal esthetic outcome and patient satisfaction. However, there is no standard treatment that can be applied to all clinical case scenarios and the treatment has to be innovative and adaptive to the specific case. This case report, specifically aims to highlight a clinical case that was managed by re-attaching the fractured segment on a permanent central incisor. A 24-year-old young man, visiting the town for a wedding, walked in with a piece of broken front tooth in his hand. After a clinical and radiographic exam, though presented with advanced treatment options of a crown or a veneer for long term success, patient insisted on keeping the broken piece and "gluing" it back. Would a direct composite restoration be successful as an interim procedure until the patient returns to his primary dentist? And even if it does, would the patient be happy disposing off his broken piece of tooth? This presents a paradox between clinician’s judgement for best outcome and patient satisfaction. The success of direct composite restorations is never disappointing in a skilled clinician's hands. Let's delve into some literature review, step by step management and conclusion of this clinical situation with a WIN-WIN outcome.