Re-attachment of anterior tooth fragment using a self-etching adhesive: a case report

The purpose of this case report is to describe the re-attachment of an anterior tooth fragment using a self-etching adhesive.

Fracture of anterior teeth by trauma is a common problem in children and teenagers due to their active lifestyle. Restoration of these teeth often presents a challenge because of the large pulp in young teeth and open apical foramen depending on the age of the child. New dental adhesive materials offer an alternative solution for the treatment of some anterior tooth fractures.

A 17-year-old female patient presented for treatment of a fractured maxillary left central incisor. The clinical examination revealed the exposure of dentin, but there was no exposure of the pulp. The patient saved the tooth fragment making it available for re-attachment to the remaining tooth structure. Under local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation the tooth fragment was re-attached using a self-etching adhesive and a microhybrid composite.

The re-attached tooth fragment was assessed clinically, radiographically, and using photographs at one, six, 12, 24, and 36 month intervals. The tooth remained vital, and there was no change in the color of the tooth at the three-year recall.