Multidisciplinary approach for replacement root resorption following severe intrusive luxation: A case report of decoronation

Intrusive luxation is a severe trauma-related event with a high frequency of pulp necrosis and root resorption. A common complication following intrusion is tooth ankylosis, which can extend to progressive replacement root resorption. An increasing infraposition in growing individuals can also occur. Decoronation is a new conservative treatment for cases of tooth ankylosis in young patients who have not finished growing. In this surgical technique, the tooth crown is removed and the root with replacement resorption process remains inside the alveolus. This treatment allows the alveolar bone to continue to develop, thus preserving bone dimensions. The purpose of this article is to report a multidisciplinary case of a young patient with anterior open bite, dental ankylosis, and tooth infraposition affected by intrusive luxation. Decoronation was the treatment of choice for this patient. The patient was then referred to orthodontic treatment to maintain the space of the maxillary right central incisor and open bite correction. After 5 years of follow-up, good clinical and radiologic results were obtained. Keywords: ankylosis, dental trauma, replacement resorption