The effect of orthodontic extrusion on traumatically intruded teeth

The management of traumatically intruded permanent incisors is controversial. Some authors suggest a decreased incidence of ankylosis in cases treated with orthodontic extrusion. The purpose of this study was to examine two common management techniques for traumatic intrusion, orthodontic extrusion, and observation for re-eruption. The four first premolars of three shepherd dogs were traumatically intruded with a mallet while a holding device was used to prevent tooth fracture. Five to 7 days following the injury, orthodontic force was applied unilaterally while the contralateral tooth served as the untreated control. To facilitate serial periapical radiography, x-ray jigs were fabricated for each animal and tantalum implants were placed in the bone distal to the permanent canine and first and second premolars. Observations included radiographic measurement of tooth movement, clinical estimates of tooth mobility, and radiographic and histologic assessment of root resorption, ankylosis, and periapical pathosis. The amount of traumatic intrusion varied from less than 0.5 to 4.1 mm. Following 11 to 13 weeks of force activation, 10 of 12 traumatized teeth showed clinical, radiographic, and histologic evidence of ankylosis irrespective of orthodontic treatment. Whereas the ankylosed teeth did not move with orthodontic forces, the teeth used for force application were orthodontically intruded 1.7 to 6.5 mm. When the injury to the tooth was severe, orthodontic extrusion had little effect on repositioning of the injured tooth but resulted in undesirable movement of the anchorage teeth. When the injury was less severe, orthodontic forces facilitated repositioning of the affected tooth.