Abstract
Root fractures are relatively uncommon among dental trauma. Therefore, there is little evidence based on the scientific studies and a treatment method consensus has not been yet established in the case of traumatic dental injuries with root fractures. The root fractures thet have been reported comprise 0.5−7% of all dental trauma in the permanent dentition and 2−4% in the primary dentition. However, recent research suggested that more accurate X-ray diagnoses could increase frequency of detection of the root fractures. The mechanism of healing of the root fractures is little proven, but the permanent teeth with root fractures should be treated to heal with hard tissue formation. The principle of treatment for permanent teeth with root fracture is a complete repositioning for closely contact between fracture segments and firm splinting for immobilization of the segments. Splinting for 4 weeks is recommended for the permanent teeth with root fracture by IADT guidelines ; however, the periods of sprint should be extended according to case until confirmation of the phenomenon of hard tissue formation by X-ray examination. On the other hand, it seems that the healing with hard tissue formation is not seen in the primary dentition, the cause is not obvious. The primary teeth with root fractures without dislocation and mobility can be preserved without treatment, owing to the normal physiologic resorption of the apical fragment. However, extraction is the recommended treatment for the primary root fractured teeth with dislocation and mobility by IADT guidelines. Nevertheless,young children are greatly influenced by missing teeth in morphological, functional and psychological growth and development. Therefore, the trial to preserve the primary teeth with root fracture by means of long term fixation, until the permanent teeth come in, is invaluable.
