The prognosis of traumatized permanent anterior teeth with fracture of the enamel and dentin.

The purpose of this study was to examine, in the light of a 2-year follow-up, the diagnostic and prognostic value of vitality tests in teeth which had suffered fracture of the enamel and dentin without pulp exposure, to assess the period in which late pathologic changes may occur, and to determine the recommended time intervals for follow-up examinations. Eighty-four childred, 6 to 14 years of age, with 123 traumatized teeth were included in the study. Of these teeth, 87 percent were "vital" at the initial examination, and most of these remained vital throughout the 2 years. Most pathologic changes occur within 6 months after trauma. It is recommended that follow-up examinations be performed 3 and 6 months after the trauma. Root canal treatment is usually necessary in teeth which have no vital response by the 3- and 6-month examinations.