Clinical problems in the mixed dentition: traumatized teeth--evaluation, treatment and prognosis

Injuries to anterior teeth of children seem to be increasing. After conducting a thorough examination it is useful to classify the injury as a guide to treatment. Injury can be classified as crown fracture, crown-root fracture, root fracture, subluxation or loosening of the tooth, luxation or dislocation and, finally, exarticulation. The appropriate form of treatment for each class of injury is discussed and an indication of the expected success rate is given. Absence of a positive response to vitality tests is not by itself sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of pulp necrosis. It must be supported by other evidence such as a grey discoloration of the tooth or radiographic evidence of periapical involvement.