Management of crown-root fracture in mandibular first primary molar caused by injury to the chin

Abstract

Dental traumas are highly prevalent lesions in primary teeth, but crown-root fractures are seldom observed in primary molars. When trauma is sustained to the chin, the posterior primary teeth are at increased risk of trauma. The treatment of fractured teeth can be complicated, sometimes because of difficulties with the final restoration. A 4-year-old girl was referred to a Specialty Dental clinic by a general dental practitioner with complaints of pain in her left mandibular posterior teeth region while biting. History revealed that she had fallen ten days before while playing. Chin laceration was sutured in the trauma centre, but no dental treatment was carried out. She was subsequently discharged. Later, she had pain while biting for which she was referred to the clinic by her general dental practitioner. Extra-oral examination demonstrated a healing laceration on the chin. Radiographic examination showed the presence of an unusual complicated crown-root fracture of the left mandibular first primary molar. Pulpectomy was carried out and the fracture was stabilised with glass ionomer cement and a preformed metal crown was placed. Patient was reviewed after 3, 6 and 12 months both radiographically and clinically. Though radiographically it was found that the obturating material was resorbed completely at the 12 month visit, clinically the patient was asymptomatic until now (after 15 months). The patient is still under review. This case highlights the need for a systematic history and examination in all cases of dental trauma. It also demonstrates that conservative management is possible and not all primary teeth with crown-root fractures need to be extracted.