Impact of Tourette's syndrome tics on healing following dental trauma

The following case report outlines the impact of motor tics linked to Tourette's syndrome on dental development and healing following a dental injury to a maxillary central incisor. Emergency care and splinting of a mobile extruded maxillary left central incisor tooth was carried out at the local dentist on the same day as the dental trauma. A subsequent referral was made to the paediatric dental department for continued mobility of the maxillary central incisor on splint removal approximately 2 weeks later. A clinical and radiographic examination revealed shortened root length and apical root blunting associated with both maxillary anterior teeth. Further questioning revealed the likely cause of this to be related to the clenching and biting oral tics which the patient has experienced over the past 4 years. A removable splint has been fabricated for night-time wear and a mouthgaurd has been recommended for use during contact sports. Regular reviews will be conducted using a shared care approach between the patient's local dentist and the paediatric dental department.