Exploring Decoronation and Root Submergence: Potential for Alveolar Bone Preservation in Growing Individuals

Severe luxative injuries not only put the dental pulp at peril, but also the periodontal ligament (PDL), often resulting in an inflammatory process on the external root surface. By losing the protection of the PDL, the tooth is prone to ankylosis and replacement resorption. In adults, such teeth might be monitored or replaced. Nevertheless, in growing individuals an un-aesthetic alveolar ridge deformity and tilting of adjacent teeth due to infraposition might be the sequelae of trauma. Hence, leaving such cases untreated in children and growing individuals is not an option. Nowadays, an arsenal of treatment options is available: composite build-up, surgical repositioning, bone distraction, tooth autotransplantation, extraction and orthodontically closing the gap, and decoronation and root submergence. The latter are a combined treatment modality aiming to preserve the alveolar bone by means of root preservation, firstly described by Malmgren B. in 1984. The current mini review will discuss in a nutshell the following regarding decoronation and root submergence: procedure, aetiology, indication and outcome.