Intrusive luxation: a case report

Abstract

Intrusive luxation is one of the most severe types of dental trauma. The occurrence of pulp necrosis in intruded teeth with open apices is 100%. The risk of development of inflammatory or replacement root resorptions is high. Thus, endodontic intervention is required soon after the occurrence of trauma, in an attempt to prevent or delay the appearance of such lesions. On the other hand, the access to the root canal is difficult, as the crown is intruded. A multidisciplinary approach comprising Surgery, Orthodontics and Endodontics is required to allow exposure of the crown, orthodontic extrusion and onset of endodontic therapy. The patient GCSA, aged 15 years, attended the community project 'Lugar de dente é na boca' ('teeth should be in the mouth') of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil, 1 week after complete intrusion of the right maxillary central incisor. Radiographic examination revealed that the incisal edge of this tooth was at the level of the crown-root interface of the adjacent teeth. After surgical exposure of the crown, pulp sensitivity was evaluated and was found to be negative. After onset of endodontic therapy, the patient was referred for orthodontic extrusion of the intruded tooth. Successive changes of root canal dressing were performed and the root canal was definitely obturated at 3 years and 6 months after onset of treatment. The present paper reports on a case of severe intrusive luxation, discusses the different treatments recommended for repositioning of traumatically intruded teeth, and questions the ideal period of maintenance of calcium hydroxide dressing in the root canal, in an attempt to prevent the occurrence of root resorption and repair any existing resorption.