A multidisciplinary approach to restore crown-root fractured maxillary central incisors: orthodontic extrusion and surgical extrusion

ABSTRACT

To restore a tooth with a fracture line extending below the marginal bone level, a surgical crown lengthening procedure accompanied by ostectomy could be considered to expose the fracture line and reestablish the biologic width. However, this procedure could lead to esthetic failure, especially in the anterior teeth. Therefore, orthodontic extrusion, which elevates the fracture line from within the alveolar socket without sacrificing the supporting bone and gingiva, is recommended. This technique allows for the proper placement of the crown on a sound tooth structure, with the reestablishment of the biologic width.Alternatively, surgical extrusion is an one-step procedure that is simpler and less time-consuming than orthodontic extrusion; placing and adjusting the orthodontic appliance does not require multiple visits. This study presents successful restoration in 2 cases with a crown-tooth root fracture of the maxillary central incisor treated using a multidisciplinary approach through orthodontic extrusion or surgical extrusion followed by successful restoration.