Unusual cervical resorption after reinjury

The root canal of a maxillary central incisor apparently completely calcified after an injury. Eight years later, this tooth was injured again and massive resorption developed. The resorption began as an unusual pattern of cervical destruction, and ultimately the entire root apparently was destroyed. However, the tooth was still serving satisfactorily without other symptoms seven years after the reinjury--15 years after the original injury. Calcification of the pulp space can develop in a tooth and the root structure can be resorbed in a tooth after an injury. Therefore a similar stimulus can produce opposite responses, in this instance in the same tooth at different times. Luxation of teeth is a treatable injury, and replantation of luxated teeth is an acceptable technique that can result in long-term retention of the replanted tooth. Replantation of the patient's own tooth is usually preferred to artificial replacement of the luxated tooth at the time of injury. Interceptive endodontic care for a tooth that has been traumatized and in which the pulp space appears on the radiograph to be calcifying is probably best for the patient.