[The diagnosis and treatment of traumatic root fractures of the coronal third in the mature permanent anterior teeth].

Diagnostic and treatment implications of traumatic root fractures in the coronal third of permanent anterior teeth are reported. A review of the literature imposes a reevaluation of the treatment of these fractures. The teeth with root fractures should not be extracted and endodontic therapy should not be performed unless there is evidence of a pulp necrosis. The authors suggest trying a conservative treatment by repositioning, fixation and relief of occlusion of the teeth with fractures. The fixation is maintained over six months to improve the possibility of recovery. The clinical cases presented prove the long-term prognosis is good even if the location of fracture is near the gingival crevice. The conservative treatment doesn't preclude in case of failure, endodontic, orthodontic and prosthetic therapy. Moreover, according to the authors, conservative treatment represents the most simple, immediate and physiologic solution of functional aesthetic and psychologic problems, especially in young patients.