Recurrent trauma to the deciduous dentition and its implications: a case report

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to report a clinical case of subluxation, followed by recurrent trauma, as well as clinical, radiographic complications and treatment plan. Female patient, 4 years and 5 months old, attended the clinic of Odontopediatria of the Faculty of Dentistry of Araçatuba (FOA/UNESP), Brazil, whose mother reported the appearance of a "ball" in the upper region of teeth 51 and 61. During anamnesis, the mother reported that the child had fallen 12 months ago and hit tooth 51 with bleeding, slight mobility and crown-enamel fracture, and that according to the pediatric dentist who attended the child at the time of the trauma, it was subluxation, and 2 months ago there was recurrent trauma. Clinical examination revealed changes in the color of tooth 51 associated with a corona-enamel fracture, fistula and mobility. In tooth 61, there was a fistula and mobility. Radiographic analysis showed extensive root resorption of teeth 51 and 61, both with disruption of the bone crypt of the germ of permanent teeth 11 and 21, associated with periapical injury, denoting pulp necrosis. The treatment plan established was the extraction of teeth 51 and 61, followed by clinical and radiographic monitoring. Although subluxation is not characterized as a severe trauma, it is important to inform the parents/guardians of the child about longitudinal follow-up, since in the future, more severe consequences may occur, and thus, when diagnosed early, the change is amenable to treatment effective and satisfactory, leading to tooth preservation until the moment of its exfoliation.