Root surface conditioning in closed apex avulsed teeth: a clinical concept and case report

In an avulsed tooth with an open apex, a recommended procedure is to coat the root surface with topical doxycycline before reimplantation. Doxycycline, a derivative of the tetracycline family, has an antibacterial effect and anti-inflammatory qualities, and is effective in reducing inflammatory and replacement resorption following dental trauma. Treating the root surface of an avulsed closed apex tooth is a rational and recommended procedure. A case is presented in which an avulsed closed apex tooth, conditioned with topical doxycycline, was reimplanted in the socket. At follow-up, 16 months later, no clinical signs and symptoms were present and radiographic evaluation showed only superficial root surface resorption and an intact PDL.