Intraradicular splinting of a horizontally fractured upper central incisor - A case report

Root fractures in permanent teeth are uncommon injuries and represent complex healing patterns Mineral trioxide aggregate or MTA, is a new material developed for endodontics that appears to be a significant improvement over other materials for fracture repair. It is the first restorative material that consistently allows for the overgrowth of cementum, and it may facilitate the regeneration of the periodontal ligament. Histologic examination revealed that it had actually induced cementogenesis, and bone deposition with minimal or absent inflammatory response.

This case report presents the endodontic management of a horizontally fractured central incisor using an intraradicular splinting technique. The root canal of the left central incisor was temporarily filled with calcium hydroxide slurry. This was followed by intraradicular splinting of the tooth using a NiTi file and MTA as sealer. This case demonstrates that intraradicular splinting can be used to manage horizontally fractured teeth.

Materials such as zinc oxide-eugenol cement and resin composite have been used in the past to repair root defects, but their use resulted in the formation of fibrous connective tissue adjacent to the bone. Because it allows the overgrowth of cementum and periodontal ligament, MTAmay be an ideal material for certain endodontic procedures.