Prognosis of teeth involved in the line of mandibular fractures

The management of teeth positioned in the line of mandibular jaw fractures was studied by a follow-up examination of 132 patients with mandibular fractures involving 185 teeth. The observation period varied from 1 to 3 years. The clinical and radiographic findings revealed complete recovery in 59% of the involved teeth. The degree of periodontal and pulpal complications were closely related to the displacement between the fragments and to the type of fracture. Six different fracture types were classified with regard to the extent of involvement of the tooth supporting tissue; 23% of the teeth which initially responded negatively to electric stimulation showed positive sensibility at the time of reexamination. Thus, a long time observation period is advisable with regard to the final outcome of the pulp damage. Conservative treatment of teeth involved in the line of mandibular fractures has a favorable prognosis especially if optimal reduction of the jaw fragments is achieved.