Buonocore memorial lecture. Adhesive dentistry applied to the treatment of traumatic dental injuries.

Dental adhesive techniques have led to a significant simplification of the immediate and definitive treatment of traumatic dental injuries. Composite restoration of fractured teeth, bonding of tooth fragments, the use of laminate veneers or porcelain onlays and resin retained bridges are some of the ways adhesive techniques are used to treat fractured teeth. Furthermore, splinting of luxated teeth almost entirely relies on the combination of adhesion and a flexible resin which simulates the mobility of a normal periodontal ligament during the healing period. The internal strengthening of immature root-filled teeth with composite using an adhesive technique may possibly prevent late root fractures caused by weakening of the tooth structure resulting from endodontic procedures. Finally, the adhesive principle using a retro-seal with composite after apicoectomy significantly increases the healing rate and healing mode.