Crown-root fracture is a rare type of dental traumatic injury. Management of traumatized teeth sometimes requires a multidisciplinary approach to obtain better esthetic results as well as for the conservation of tooth structure. This article describes the management of a case of oblique crown root fracture of anterior teeth. After the removal of the coronal fragment, the roots were filled with calcium hydroxide. Orthodontic extrusion was initiated for 4 months, and 3 mm extrusion was achieved. The ceramic crown was cemented on anterior fracture teeth. The periodontal condition appeared to be healthy and good esthetic was maintained during the follow-up appointment.

Crown-root fracture is a rare type of dental traumatic injury, affecting 0.5% to 7% of permanent teeth1. In this type of injury, the wound involves damage to the pulp, cementum, dentin, and periodontal ligament. Depending on the severity of the injury, multiple or single fractures of the root can be observed. Management of traumatized teeth sometimes requires a multidisciplinary approach to obtain better esthetic results as well as for the conservation of tooth structure2. Exposure of the fractured margin into the oral cavity is desirable. This may be achieved by3: (i) crown lengthening, (ii) surgical extrusion, and (iii) orthodontic extrusion. This case report presents the management of a cervical root fracture using orthodontic extrusion and final restoration with a ceramic crown.

A 22-year-old man reported to the Department of Orthodontic Dentistry with a complaint of damaged anterior teeth. History revealed that the patient had an injury to the front tooth region 1 month ago, due to a fall. Intraoral examination revealed anterior teeth crown-root fractured, the coronal fragment was extracted (Fig1A). The fracture line was located subgingivally on the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual aspects. The periapical radiograph revealed that the fracture line was extending up to the level of the alveolar crest. The root canal treatment of fractured teeth was finished (Fig1B).

Since the fracture line extended up to the alveolar bone crest, it was possible to initiate extrusion of the root so as to facilitate placement of coronal restoration and long-term attachment health. So orthodontic extrusion was possible. The lingual button was bonded on the fracture side of the anterior teeth (Fig2A). The patient was revisioned once a month and orthodontic traction was taken. Removable appliances were used for the lower arch to tract anterior teeth with the help of the buttons. A small amount of both labial and palatial mucous recontouring was done using the electrotome method to allow for proper finishing of the crown margins (Fig2B). Interactive traction was used for 4 months, and 3 mm extrusion was achieved (Fig2C D). The temporary crown was used for 6 months (Fig). Finally, the ceramic crown was cemented on 12 11, and 21(Fig3B). During the three-month follow-up appointment, the periodontium appeared to be healthy and a good esthetic was maintained.

Fig1 A,B

Fig1 A： Intraoral examination revealed anterior teeth crown-root fractured, and the coronal fragment was extracted； B： Periapical radiograph revealed that the fracture line was extending up to the level of the alveolar crest. The root canal treatment of fractured teeth was finished

Fig2 A,B,C,D

Fig2 A： Lingual button was bonded on the fracture side of the anterior teeth； B： A small amount of both labial and palatial mucosal recontouring was done using the electrosurgical method to allow for proper finishing of the crown margins； C D： Interactive traction was used for 4 months, and 3 mm extrusion was achieved.

Fig3 A,B

Fig3 A： The temporary crown was used for 6 months； B： the ceramic crown was cemented on 12 11and 21

The orthodontic forced eruption was first described by Heithersay as coronal orthodontic movement achieved by applying continuous orthodontic force for the purpose of preserving soft tissues and gaining vertical bone height. Orthodontic extrusion is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly predictable treatment. It shows several advantages if compared to surgical crown lengthening4. First, tooth structure and periodontal support maintenance is crucial. As previously mentioned, it is required to extend bone resection on the adjacent teeth to harmonize the gingival morphology in surgical crown lengthening. This causes bone loss and possible damage of the periodontal support as well as a worsening of the crown/root ratio of these teeth. Conversely, orthodontic extrusion can just cause tooth displacement or even increase the volume of dental support tissues, which is particularly advantageous for implant purposes 5.

Orthodontic extrusion can be obtained using different orthodontic strategies6: fixed appliances, removable appliances, and temporary anchorage devices such as mini-screw. Different treatment choice variables must be considered, such as patient preference, oral hygiene, availability of an appropriate orthodontic anchorage, and amount of dental crown available. As a general rule, the less periodontal support, the less force needed for extrusion. An accelerated movement rate may result in a risk of tissue damage and ankylosis. A sufficient crown-root ratio (ideally less than 1:1), healthy gingiva, and osseous structures without any pathological signs are required for successful extrusion and favorable esthetic outcomes in crown-root fractured teeth. The current knowledge suggests the application of light and constant forces of 15 g for the anterior teeth and 50 g for posterior teeth are optimal to extrude a tooth for implant site enhancement7.

After the successful application of orthodontic extrusion, the stabilization phase takes place. The resin crown was used as a temporary crown for 6 months. This phase is important to allow for proper reorganization of the soft tissue and remodeling of the bone in the so-called” osteoid formation’’ phase, thus discouraging relapse.

It is preferable to choose orthodontic extrusion if a highly predictable treatment is requested if an orthodontic device is already present, and if it is necessary to preserve tooth vitality or treat teeth non-compatible with an atraumatic extraction. Orthodontic movements, especially if performed on traumatized teeth or through the application of heavy forces, can cause root resorption8. However, it can be considered a rare event when performing extrusive movement. Moreover, there was no correlation between the degree of extrusion and the occurrence of root resorption.

Using a combination of orthodontic extrusion and crown restoration may be considered for the treatment of crown root fractures because:

1) Esthetics is maintained until the final restoration placement by highly cost-effective.

2) Excellent esthetics and periodontal health is maintained if the final restoration is made after orthodontic extrusion.

3) It is a simple and safe method and hence more acceptable to the patient.

The prospects of this treatment modality for crown root fractures of posterior teeth need to be investigated.

Supported by National key research and development program 2022YFC3103202; Military medical science Foundation of Youth project 21QNPY104; National natural science foundation 8217086