Dental trauma is very frequent, especially in children and young patients. One of the most frequent cases are dental fractures.
In the case of a dental fracture, both in primary and permanent dentition, it is very important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to make a correct diagnosis and, therefore, determine the extent of the fracture, whether or not there is pulp involvement and assess the adjacent structures and, thus, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and determine the necessary controls to improve the prognosis of the results.
In cases where the fragment is found, the ideal is to keep it and transport it in a moist environment in order to keep it hydrated and ensure good adhesion to the tooth.
Early diagnosis of the type and extent of tooth fracture is a key factor for a good prognosis of the corresponding treatment, so seeing your dentist in case of a tooth fracture as soon as possible is essential to perform a correct clinical and radiological examination.
For example, in fractures limited to the enamel, in which there is no dentin exposure, they would only require polishing or sealing, however, in more serious cases in which there is pulp exposure (nerve of the tooth) immediate intervention is very important to increase the chances of maintaining pulp vitality.
What are the chances that this piece of tooth can be used?
The likelihood that the tooth fragment can be used depends on the type and extent of the tooth fracture, and the environment in which it is transported.
The recommended means of transport is milk or, failing that, water, avoiding transporting the fragment dry as this could reduce the probability of adhesion to the tooth.
How is a tooth breakage reconstructed?
In cases where only the crown of the tooth is affected, the fragment is viable and there is no pulp involvement, it can be bonded with the help of a resin. In cases in which the fragment has not recovered or is not viable, an esthetic reconstruction would be carried out using a composite resin.
However, taking into account that trauma can occur in a thousand different ways with its consequent affectations, as we have already said, the extension of the fracture, the pulp involvement or not and the state of the adjacent structures should be taken into account, factors that will determine the prognosis and viability of the different treatments.
How does the reconstruction evolve?
It will depend on the treatment performed and the repercussion of the adjacent structures. The dentist, in addition to explaining the possible consequences and side effects of trauma, will provide you with a series of measures and recommendations to follow during the first days after the trauma, which are essential to contribute to the good evolution of the case, as well as the necessary care to maintain the stability and integrity of the treatment that has been performed.