Dental trauma in permanent teeth: pediatric dentistry rehabilitation strategy

ABSTRACT This case report aims to describe the clinical management of a dental trauma in an 8-year-old male who suffered a fall while playing sports. Twelve months after the fall, he sought care at the Pediatric Dentistry Emergency Service of the Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Odontopediatria e Ortodontia of the Piracicaba School of Dentistry, Unicamp, reporting mobility in the upper left central incisor (#21). The patient was immediately seen by a dentist who performed a periapical radiograph and performed immediate aesthetic reconstruction with composite resin on the upper left and right permanent central incisors. During the consultation at the Emergency Service, a clinical examination and periapical radiograph were performed, and a horizontal fracture in the middle third of the root, alveolysis, and exposure of root fragments were found, making endodontic treatment of the tooth related to the complaint unfeasible (#21). The patient’s mother received guidance on the situation, and, after approval, the tooth was extracted. For rehabilitation, a space maintainer with a stock tooth was planned, for aesthetic reasons and the need to preserve the space, with immediate installation. Four months later, at the follow-up appointment, the space was maintained, and the patient approved the aesthetics. Continuous periodic appointments were held to monitor the patient and adjust or replace the space maintainer for 15 months. Hereupon, early diagnosis, immediate intervention, and monitoring of dental trauma are essential to maintain oral health, preserving aesthetics and function until the end of the patient’s growth and development.