Developmental Disturbances in Permanent Teeth due to Trauma to the Primary Dentition, Orthodontic – Endodontic Interdisciplinary Management: A Case Report and Literature

Background: Traumatic injuries to the primary dentition are a frequent occurrence in children during the preschool ages of 1 to 4 years and are primarily due to falls. Developmental disturbances to the permanent teeth can occur from trauma to the primary dentition, resulting in hypoplastic defects and disruptions in eruption. The aim of this clinical case report was to demonstrate that developmental disturbances in permanent teeth due to early trauma to primary teeth can have a favorable outcome with an interdisciplinary treatment approach. Methods: A clinical case is presented of the interdisciplinary management of a child with early trauma to the primary maxillary anterior dentition that resulted in the non-eruption of a maxillary permanent central incisor with enamel/dentin hypoplasia. A literature review is also presented on the incidence and prevalence of trauma to the primary dentition and its effects on the developing permanent teeth. Findings: Interdisciplinary management, with orthodontic, oral surgery and endodontic treatments in the clinical case presented, resulted in a favorable outcome for the maxillary anterior permanent dentition and the restoration and retention of the affected permanent tooth in a state of good health. Conclusions: Developmental disturbances to permanent teeth due to trauma to the primary dentition are usually detected well after the occurrence of the traumatic incident and in cases where multiple disturbances to the permanent teeth are identified an interdisciplinary treatment approach will often be necessary to achieve a favorable outcome.