FRACTURES AND LUXATIONS OF PERMANENT TEETH
1. Treatment guidelines for fractures of teeth and alveolar bone
INFRACTION
Clinical findings
● An incomplete fracture
(crack) of the enamel
without loss of tooth
structure.
● Not tender. If tenderness
is observed evaluate the
tooth for a possible luxation
injury or a root fracture.
ENAMEL FRACTURE
Clinical findings
● A complete fracture of the
enamel.
● Loss of enamel. No
visible sign of exposed
dentin.
● Not tender. If tenderness
is observed evaluate the
tooth for a possible luxation
or root fracture injury.
● Normal mobility.
● Sensibility pulp test
usually positive.
+
= for crown fractured teeth with concomitant luxation injury, use the luxation followup schedule.
C++ = clinical and radiographic examination.
Radiographic findings
● No radiographic
abnormalities.
● Radiographs recom-
mended: a periapical view.
Additional radiographs are
indicated if other signs or
symptoms are present.
Radiographic findings
● Enamel loss is visible.
● Radiographs recom-
mended: periapical,
occlusal and eccentric
exposures. They are
recommended in order to
rule out the possible
presence of a root fracture
or a luxation injury.
● Radiograph of lip or
cheek to search for tooth
fragments or foreign
materials.
Followup Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for fractures of teeth include some, but not necessarily all, of the
and alveolar bone+ following:
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● In case of marked infractions, etching ● No follow-up is ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
and sealing with resin to prevent generally needed for ● Positive response ● Negative response to
discoloration of the infraction lines. infraction injuries unless to pulp testing. pulp testing.
Otherwise, no treatment is necessary. they are associated with ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
a luxation injury or other development in periodontitis.
fracture types. immature teeth. ● No continuing root
development in
immature teeth.
● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.
Treatment Followup Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
++
● If the tooth fragment is available, it 6-8 weeks C ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
++
can be bonded to the tooth. 1 year C ● Positive response ● Negative response to
● Contouring or restoration with to pulp testing. pulp testing.
composite resin depending on the ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
extent and location of the fracture. development in periodontitis
immature teeth. ● No continuing root
● Continue to next development in
evaluation. immature teeth.
● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.

ENAMEL-DENTIN-
FRACTURE Clinical findings
● A fracture confined to
enamel and dentin with loss
of tooth structure, but not
exposing the pulp.
● Percussion test: not
tender. If tenderness is
observed, evaluate the
tooth for possible luxation
or root fracture injury.
● Normal mobility.
● Sensibility pulp test
usually positive.
ENAMEL-DENTIN-PULP
FRACTURE Clinical findings
● A fracture involving
enamel and dentin with loss
of tooth structure and
exposure of the pulp.
● Normal mobility
● Percussion test: not
tender. If tenderness is
observed, evaluate for
possible luxation or root
fracture injury.
● Exposed pulp sensitive to
stimuli.
+
= for crown fractured teeth with concomitant luxation injury, use the luxation followup schedule
C++ = clinical and radiographic examination.
Radiographic findings
● Enamel-dentin loss is
visible.
● Radiographs recom-
mended: periapical,
occlusal and eccentric
exposure to rule out tooth
displacement or possible
presence of root fracture.
● Radiograph of lip or
cheek lacerations to search
for tooth fragments or
foreign materials.
Radiographic findings
● Enamel – dentin loss
visible.
● Radiographs
recommended: periapical,
occlusal and eccentric
exposures, to rule out tooth
displacement or possible
presence of root fracture.
● Radiograph of lip or
cheek lacerations to search
for tooth fragments or
foreign materials.
Follow-Up Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for fractures of teeth include some, but not necessarily all, of the
and alveolar bone+ following:
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● If a tooth fragment is available, it can 6-8 weeks C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
be bonded to the tooth. Otherwise 1 year C++ ● Positive response ● Negative response to
perform a provisional treatment by to pulp testing. pulp testing.
covering the exposed dentin with glass- ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
Ionomer or a more permanent development in periodontitis.
restoration using a bonding agent and immature teeth ● No continuing root
composite resin, or other accepted ● Continue to next development in
dental restorative materials evaluation immature teeth.
● If the exposed dentin is within 0.5mm of ● Endodontic therapy
the pulp (pink, no bleeding) place calcium appropriate for stage of
hydroxide base and cover with a material root development is
such as a glass ionomer. indicated.
Treatment Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● In young patients with immature, still 6-8 weeks C++ ● Asymptomatic. ● Symptomatic.
developing teeth, it is advantageous to 1 year C++ ● Positive response ● Negative response to
preserve pulp vitality by pulp capping or to pulp testing. pulp testing.
partial pulpotomy. Also, this treatment ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
is the choice in young patients with development in periodontitis.
completely formed teeth. immature teeth. ● No continuing root
● Calcium hydroxide is a suitable material to ● Continue to next development in
be placed on the pulp wound in such evaluation. immature teeth.
procedures. ● Endodontic therapy
● In patients with mature apical appropriate for stage of
development, root canal treatment is root development is
usually the treatment of choice, indicated.
although pulp capping or partial
pulpotomy also may be selected.
● If tooth fragment is available, it can be
bonded to the tooth.
● Future treatment for the fractured
crown may be restoration with other
accepted dental restorative materials.

CROWN-ROOT
FRACTURE WITHOUT Clinical findings
PULP EXPOSURE
● A fracture involving
enamel, dentin and
cementum with loss of tooth
structure, but not exposing
the pulp.
● Crown fracture extending
below gingival margin.
● Percussion test: Tender.
● Coronal fragment mobile.
● Sensibility pulp test
usually positive for apical
fragment.
+=for crown fractured teeth with concomitant luxation injury, use the luxation followup schedule.
C++ =clinical and radiographic examination
Radiographic findings
● Apical extension of
fracture usually not visible.
● Radiographs
recommended: periapical,
occlusal and eccentric
exposures. They are
recommended in order to
detect fracture lines in the
root.
Follow-Up Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for fractures of teeth include some, but not necessarily all, of the
and alveolar bone + following:
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
Emergency treatment 6-8 weeks C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
● As an emergency treatment a temporary 1 year C++ ● Positive response ● Negative response to
stabilization of the loose segment to to pulp testing. pulp testing.
adjacent teeth can be performed until a ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
definitive treatment plan is made.
Non-Emergency Treatment Alternatives
development in periodontitis.
Fragment removal only immature teeth ● No continuing root
● Removal of the coronal crown-root ● Continue to next development in
fragment and subsequent restoration of the evaluation immature teeth.
apical fragment exposed above the gingival ● Endodontic therapy
level. appropriate for stage of
root development is
Fragment removal and gingivectomy indicated.
(sometimes ostectomy)
● Removal of the coronal crown-root
segment with subsequent endodontic
treatment and restoration with a post-
retained crown. This procedure should be
preceded by a gingivectomy, and sometimes
ostectomy with osteoplasty.
Orthodontic extrusion of apical fragment
● Removal of the coronal segment with
subsequent endodontic treatment and
orthodontic extrusion of the remaining root
with sufficient length after extrusion to
support a post-retained crown.
Surgical extrusion
● Removal of the mobile fractured fragment
with subsequent surgical repositioning of the
root in a more coronal position.
Root submergence
● Implant solution is planned.
Extraction
● Extraction with immediate or delayed
implant-retained crown restoration or a
conventional bridge. Extraction is inevitable
in crown-root fractures with a severe apical
extension, the extreme being a vertical
fracture.

CROWN-ROOT
FRACTURE WITH PULP Clinical findings
EXPOSURE
● A fracture involving
enamel, dentin, and
cementum and exposing
the pulp.
● Percussion test: tender.
● Coronal fragment mobile.
+
= for crown fractured teeth with concomitant luxation injury, use the luxation followup schedule
C++ = clinical and radiographic examination;
Radiographic findings
● Apical extension of
fracture usually not visible.
● Radiographs
recommended: periapical
and occlusal exposure.
Follow-Up Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for fractures of teeth include some, but not necessarily all, of the
and alveolar bone + following:
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
Emergency treatment 6-8 weeks C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
● As an emergency treatment a temporary 1 year C++ ● Positive response ● Negative response to
stabilization of the loose segment to to pulp testing. pulp testing.
adjacent teeth. ● Continuing root ● Signs of apical
● In patients with open apices, it is
advantageous to preserve pulp vitality by a
development in periodontitis.
partial pulpotomy. This treatment is also the immature teeth ● No continuing root
choice in young patients with completely ● Continue to next development in
formed teeth. Calcium hydroxide evaluation immature teeth.
compounds are suitable pulp capping ● Endodontic therapy
materials. In patients with mature apical appropriate for stage of
development, root canal treatment can be root development is
the treatment of choice. indicated.
Non-Emergency Treatment Alternatives
● Fragment removal and gingivectomy
(sometimes ostectomy)
Removal of the coronal fragment with
subsequent endodontic treatment and
restoration with a post-retained crown. This
procedure should be preceded by a
gingivectomy and sometimes ostectomy with
osteoplasty. This treatment option is only
indicated in crown-root fractures with palatal
subgingival extension.
● Orthodontic extrusion of apical
fragment
Removal of the coronal segment with
subsequent endodontic treatment and
orthodontic extrusion of the remaining root
with sufficient length after extrusion to
support a post-retained crown.
● Surgical extrusion
Removal of the mobile fractured fragment
with subsequent surgical repositioning of the
root in a more coronal position.
●Root submergence
An implant solution is planned, the root
fragment may be left in situ.
●Extraction
Extraction with immediate or delayed
implant-retained crown restoration or a
conventional bridge. Extraction is inevitable
in very deep crown-root fractures, the
extreme being a vertical fracture

ROOT FRACTURE Clinical findings
●The coronal segment may be
mobile and may be displaced.
● The tooth may be tender to
percussion.
● Bleeding from the
gingival sulcus may be noted.
● Sensibility testing may give
negative results initially,
indicating transient or
permanent neural damage.
● Monitoring the status of the
pulp is recommended.
● Transient crown
discoloration (red or grey) may
occur.
ALVEOLAR FRACTURE Clinical findings
● The fracture involves the
alveolar bone and may extend
to adjacent bone.
● Segment mobility and
dislocation with several teeth
moving together are common
findings.
● An occlusal change due to
misalignment of the fractured
alveolar segment is often
noted.
● Sensibility testing may or
may not be positive.
S+=splint removal; S++=splint removal in cervical third fractures.
C++ = clinical and radiographic examination.
++=Whenever there is evidence of external inflammatory root resorption, root canal therapy should be initiated immediately, with the use of calcium hydroxide as an intra-canal medication.
Radiographic findings
● The fracture involves the
root of the tooth and is in a
horizontal or oblique plane.
● Fractures that are in the
horizontal plane can usually be
detected in the regular
periapical 90o angle film with
the central beam through the
tooth. This is usually the case
with fractures in the cervical
third of the root.
● If the plane of fracture is
more oblique which is common
with apical third fractures, an
occlusal view or radiographs
with varying horizontal angles
are more likely to demonstrate
the fracture including those
located in the middle third.
Radiographic findings
● Fracture lines may be
located at any level, from the
marginal bone to the root
apex.
● In addition to the 3
angulations and occlusal film,
additional views such as a
panoramic radiograph can be
helpful in determining the
course and position of the
fracture lines.
Follow-Up Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for fractures of teeth include some, but not necessarily all, of the
and alveolar bone following:++
Treatment Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● Reposition, if displaced, the coronal 4 Weeks S+, C++ ● Positive response ● Symptomatic
segment of the tooth as soon as possible. 6-8 Weeks C++ to pulp testing (false ● Negative response to
● Check position radiographically. 4 Months S++*, C++ negative possible up pulp testing (false
● Stabilize the tooth with a flexible splint for 6 Months C++ to 3 months). negative possible up to
4 weeks. If the root fracture is near the
cervical area of the tooth, stabilization is
1 Year C++ ● Signs of repair 3 months).
beneficial for a longer period of time (up to 4 5 Years C++ between fractured ● Extrusion of the
months). segments. coronal segment.
● It is advisable to monitor healing for at ● Continue to next ● Radiolucency at the
least one year to determine pulpal status. evaluation. fracture line.
● If pulp necrosis develops, root canal ● Clinical signs of
treatment of the coronal tooth segment to periodontitis or abscess
the fracture line is indicated to preserve the associated with the
tooth. fracture line.
● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● Reposition any displaced segment and 4 Weeks S+, C++ ● Positive response ● Symptomatic
then splint. 6-8 Weeks C++ to pulp testing (false ● Negative response to
● Suture gingival laceration if present. 4 Months C++ negative possible up pulp testing (false
● Stabilize the segment for 4 weeks. 6 Months C++ to 3 months). negative possible up to
1 Year C++ ● No signs of apical 3 months).
5 Years C++ periodontitis. ● Signs of apical
●Continue to next periodontitis or external
evaluation. inflammatory root
resorption.
● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.
2. Treatment Guidelines for Luxation Injuries Follow-Up Procedures for Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes include
luxated permanent teeth some, but not necessarily all, of the following:++
CONCUSSION Clinical findings Radiographic findings Treatment Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● The tooth is tender to touch ●No radiographic ● No treatment is needed. 4 Weeks C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
or tapping; it has not been abnormalities ● Monitor pulpal condition for at least one 6-8 Weeks C++ ● Positive response to ● Negative response to
displaced and does not have year. 1 Year C++ pulp testing pulp testing
increased mobility. ● False negative ● False negative possible
● Sensibility tests are likely to possible up to 3 up to 3 months
give positive results. months. ●No continuing root
● Continuing root development in immature
development in teeth, signs of apical
immature teeth periodontitis.
● Intact lamina dura ● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.
SUBLUXATION Clinical findings Radiographic findings Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● The tooth is tender to touch ●Radiographic abnormalities ● Normally no treatment is needed, however 2 Weeks S+, C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptomatic
or tapping and has increased are usually not found. a flexible splint to stabilize the tooth for 4 Weeks C++ ● Positive response to ● Negative response to
mobility; it has not been patient comfort can be used for up to 2 6-8 Weeks C++ pulp testing pulp testing
displaced. weeks. 6 Months C++ ● False negative ● False negative possible
● Bleeding from gingival 1 Year C++ possible up to 3 up to 3 months
crevice may be noted. months. ● External inflammatory
● Sensibility testing may be ● Continuing root resorption.
negative initially indicating development in ● No continuing root
transient pulpal damage. immature teeth development in immature
● Monitor pulpal response until ● Intact lamina dura teeth, signs of apical
a definitive pulpal diagnosis periodontitis.
can be made. ● Endodontic therapy
appropriate for stage of
root development is
indicated.
EXTRUSIVE LUXATION Clinical Findings Radiographic findings Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● The tooth appears elongated ●Increased periodontal ● Reposition the tooth by gently re-inserting 2 Weeks S+, C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptoms and
and is excessively mobile. ligament space apically. It into the tooth socket. 4 Weeks C++ ● Clinical and radiographic sign
● Sensibility tests will likely ● Stabilize the tooth for 2 weeks using a 6-8 Weeks C++ radiographic signs of consistent with apical
give negative results. flexible splint. 6 Months C++ normal or healed periodontitis.
● In mature teeth where pulp necrosis is 1 Year C++ periodontium. ● Negative response to
anticipated or if several signs and symptoms Yearly 5 years C++ ● Positive response to pulp testing (false negative
indicate that the pulp of mature or immature pulp testing (false possible up to 3 months).
teeth became necrotic, root canal treatment negative possible up to ● If breakdown of marginal
is indicated. 3 months). bone, splint for an
● Marginal bone height additional 3-4 weeks.
corresponds to that ● External inflammatory
seen radiographically root resorption.
after repositioning. ● Endodontic therapy
● Continuing root appropriate for stage of
development in root development is
immature teeth. indicated.
+
S =splint removal;
++
C = clinical and radiographic examination.
++=Whenever there is evidence of external inflammatory root resorption, root canal therapy should be initiated immediately, with the use of calcium hydroxide as an intra-canal medication.

LATERAL LUXATION Clinical findings
● The tooth is displaced,
usually in a palatal/lingual or
labial direction.
● It will be immobile and
percussion usually gives a
high, metallic (ankylotic)
sound.
● Fracture of the alveolar
process present.
● Sensibility tests will likely
give negative results
INTRUSIVE LUXATION Clinical findings
● The tooth is displaced axially
into the alveolar bone.
● It is immobile and percussion
may give a high, metallic
(ankylotic) sound.
● Sensibility tests will likely
give negative results.
S+=splint removal;
++
C = clinical and radiographic examination.
++= whenever there is evidence of external inflammatory root resorption, root canal therapy should be initiated immediately, with the use of calcium hydroxide as an intra-canal medication.
Radiographic findings
● The widened periodontal
ligament space is best seen on
eccentric or occlusal
exposures.
Radiographic findings
●The periodontal ligament
space may be absent from all
or part of the root.
● The cemento-enamel
junction is located more
apically in the intruded tooth
than in adjacent non-injured
teeth, at times even apical to
the marginal bone level.
Follow-Up Procedures Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes
for luxated permanent include some, but not necessarily all, of the
++
teeth following:
Treatment Favorable Outcome Unfavorable Outcome
● Reposition the tooth digitally or with 2 Weeks, C++ ● Asymptomatic ● Symptoms and
++
forceps to disengage it from its bony lock 4 Weeks S+, C ● Clinical and radiographic signs
++
and gently reposition it into its original 6-8 Weeks C radiographic signs of consistent with apical
location. 6 Months C++ normal or healed periodontitis.
● Stabilize the tooth for 4 weeks using a 1 Year C++ periodontium. ● Negative response to
flexible splint. Yearly for 5 years C++ ● Positive response to pulp testing (false negative
● Monitor the pulpal condition. pulp testing (false possible up to 3 months).
● If the pulp becomes necrotic, root canal negative possible up to ● If breakdown of marginal
treatment is indicated to prevent root 3 months). bone, splint for an
resorption. ● Marginal bone height additional 3-4 weeks.
corresponds to that ● External inflammatory
seen radiographically root resorption or
after repositioning. replacement resorption
●Continuing root ● Endodontic therapy
development in appropriate for stage of
immature teeth root development is
indicated.
Treatment Follow-Up Favorable Outcome Unfavorable
++
Teeth with incomplete root formation 2 Weeks, C ● Tooth in place or ● Tooth locked in
++
● Allow eruption without intervention 4 Weeks S+, C erupting. place/ankylotic tone to
● If no movement within few weeks, initiate 6-8 Weeks C++ ● Intact lamina dura percussion.
orthodontic repositioning. 6 Months C++ ● No signs of ● Radiographic signs of
● If tooth is intruded more than 7mm, 1 Year C++ resorption. apical periodontitis
reposition surgically or orthodontically. Yearly for 5 years C++ ● Continuing root ● External inflammatory
Teeth with complete root formation: development in root resorption or
● Allow eruption without intervention if tooth immature teeth. replacement resorption.
intruded less than 3mm. If no movement ● Endodontic therapy
after 2-4 weeks, reposition surgically or appropriate for stage of
orthodontically before ankylosis can root development is
develop. indicated.
● If tooth is intruded 3-7 mm, reposition
surgically or orthodontically.
● If tooth is intruded beyond 7mm, reposition
surgically.
● The pulp will likely become necrotic in
teeth with complete root formation. Root
canal therapy using a temporary filling with
calcium hydroxide is recommended and
treatment should begin 2-3 weeks after
repositioning.
● Once an intruded tooth has been
repositioned surgically or orthodontically,
stabilize with a flexible splint for 4 weeks.