Effect of luxation injuries on permanent teeth

Trauma to the supporting tissues of the teeth are among the most common dental injuries, leading to such complications as pulp canal obliteration, necrosis and root resorption. The aim of this investigation was to study the outcome for young permanent teeth subjected to luxation injuries. From 108 dental records 171 teeth with injuries to the supporting tissue were selected. The material comprised 130 subluxated, 15 extruded, 9 intruded, 15 exarticulated and 6 laterally luxated teeth in children aged 6-19 years. Apart from luxation, 59 teeth (35%) had additional crown and root fractures. 65% of the teeth recovered without complications. 78% of the subluxated teeth and 24% of the luxated teeth showed uneventful posttraumatic healing. Concomitant uncomplicated crown fractures or root fractures without displacement of the coronal fragment did not interfere with the healing. Of 60 teeth with healing complications, 52 (87%) were subsequently recorded as healed, the remaining 8 were extracted or had progressive root resorption. Loss of pulp vitality and external root resorptions were the most often recorded complications (28% and 17% of the total material respectively). Pulp canal obliteration was noted in 3% of the cases. Extent of injury and degree of tooth maturity were found to be related to healing complications.