Abstract : Twenty-eight years ago, I treated a case of root intrusion by “the trial and error” method. Recently the opportunity arose to observe the case again.
In 1973, an 18 year old male fell down stairs causing the maxillary central incisors to become intruded. Twelve hours after the injury, he consulted my clinic. Radiographs showed these teeth were intruded about 3 mm from the original position.
Both teeth were surgically repositioned and stabilized with an acrylic resin splint. Later, root canal therapy was performed on these teeth followed by restoration with porcelain fused to metal bridge.
Twelve years later, the gingiva appeared healthy but radiograph demonstrated cervical root resorption and the periodontal ligament space was not well defined. Twenty-two years later, the bridge was still functioning well and not mobile. The gingiva showed slight marginal inflammation. The cervical root resorption appeared larger than it had on the previous consultation and the periodontal ligament space was less well defined.
Now, 28 years later, the bridge was still functioning well and not mobile. The gingival showed slight marginal involution as before. However the cervical root resorption appeared even larger, and the periodontal ligament space was progressively less defined.
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