Immediate post-operative rehabilitation after decoronation. A systematic review

Decoronation is currently considered the best treatment option for ankylosed teeth and discrepancies in the alveolar bone, particularly in childhood and adolescence. The loss of a front tooth creates aesthetic, functional, and psychological distress in patients and their parents. The aim of this study was to analyze the types of restorations provided after decoronation, their suitability, durability, and follow up until insertion of the final restoration.

A literature review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to identify eligible articles. English language publications until August 9, 2018, were searched independently and cross-checked by two researchers online, in print, and in press.

Of 618 articles screened, 10 included reports on 11 patients with detailed descriptions of 13 provisional restorations. Patients' ages at the time of decoronation were 8-15 years. Seven underwent avulsion and four intrusion. Removable partial denture (nine cases) was the most common restoration. In two cases, the restoration was provisional with a lingual bar with prosthetic crown and in two other cases with an adhesive bridge. Follow up ranged from 3 months to 5 years in nine patients. Two cases were followed until the permanent restoration was placed.

The importance of long-term provisional restorations was disregarded by most authors. A multidisciplinary approach should take into consideration immediate-, mid-, and long-term rehabilitation of the decoronated tooth.