Decoronation – a treatment option of an ankylosed permanent tooth in children and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction In children and growing adolescents, ankylotic resorption (i.e., progressive replacement resorption) of a permanent tooth is a serious complication. An ankylosed tooth root is continuously resorbed and replaced with bone; normal growth of alveolar bone is disturbed and infraposition of the dental crown progresses. This article aims to present decoronation as a very good treatment option for permanent incisors diagnosed with progressive replacement resorption in children and adolescents.

Case outline A 9.5-year-old boy was referred with non-vital both upper central permanent incisors due to dental trauma. In the left one, which had been re-implanted 90 minutes after avulsion, progression of clinical and radiographic pathological signs of ankylotic resorption was observed over the months. To prevent the local arrest of alveolar ridge growth and tilting of adjacent teeth, we decoronated the ankylosed tooth. For aesthetic and functional rehabilitation adhesive bonding of his dental crown was performed.

Conclusion In growing individuals with progressive replacement resorption, a dentist should be aware of decoronation as an effective treatment option with a predictable outcome.

Keywords: decoronation; progressive replacement resorption; ankylosis; bone preservation; infraposition