Effective splinting technique for traumatized immature permanent tooth: A case report

Background: Dental trauma is one of the oral health problems with high incidences among children and adolescents. According to WHO, 1 billion people have a history of dental trauma, with a prevalence of around 20% for children up to 12 years old. Lateral luxation is the type of displacement injury in permanent teeth with the highest prevalence. Improper treatment can result in pulp necrosis, damage to periodontal tissue, tooth mobility, aesthetic problems, occlusal interference, and moreover tooth loss. 

Purpose: Discuss the management of lateral luxation in immature permanent tooth.

Case: A 5-year-old boy came with a dislocated upper front tooth after accidentally falling. The tooth displaced further back, causing pain, bleeding, discomfort, difficulties in eating, and occlusal interference. 

Case Management: Digital pressure under local anesthesia was used to reposition the luxated tooth, which was then stabilized with splinting using orthodontic brackets and monitored regularly. The treatment result showed no tooth mobility, root development, corrected occlusion, function, and aesthetics. 

Conclusion: Management of lateral luxation in immature permanent teeth using digitation repositioned and splinting is recommended to prevent pulp and periodontal pathology. This method provides fast procedures, good aesthetics, function, and patient comfort. However long-term observation is required to confirm the success rate.