Traumatized fractured incisors: re-attachment of the fragment

A common outcome of dental trauma is fracture of the incisors. Since the advent of adhesive dentistry, re-attachment of the fragment has been reported.¹ It is a technique that can easily restore a fractured tooth, arguably giving a quicker and more aesthetic outcome than the average composite restoration.² Yet, in the author's experience, this technique is not performed in general practice as often as it could be. A simple case is presented with a summary of the technique used; it only required materials readily available in most general practices.

It is assumed that standard guidelines would be followed in all trauma cases (www.dentaltraumaguide.org). Obviously, this technique is only suitable if the fragment is intact and can be located onto the tooth stump. Pulpal protection was unnecessary in this case but must be considered.

The following case presented 5 days after a sports injury (Figure 1). The patient had attended hospital where two tooth fragments were recovered from his lower lip; they were stored dry. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed little of note except enamel dentine fractures of the LR21 LL1. The teeth were slightly sensitive to cold air. At the initial appointment it was decided to bond the fragments back, then a week later review and restore the LR2 with composite.