Reattachment of fractured crown fragment: a conservative approach

Anterior tooth trauma occurs frequently in children and adolescents. Crown fractures account for the majority of dental trauma in the permanent dentition (26–76% of dental injuries). The most common etiologic factors responsible are automobile accidents, falls and sports injuries. They can cause esthetic, phonetic and functional problems and also lead to anxiety as well as psychological stress in the traumatized patient. There are many ways to treat different types of traumas. When a fragment is recovered, the most conservative treatment option for a crown fracture is the bonding of the fragment to the fractured tooth. Progressive development of adhesive dentistry has enabled clinicians to re-attach the original fragment to the tooth mechanically and chemically. Several advantages in this treatment are responsible for its widespread use. This technique produces good, lasting esthetic results, as it maintains the original anatomic shape, color, and texture of the tooth. This article presents a case report of esthetic reattachment of a fractured fragment of permanent central incisor using contemporary composites by direct adhesives techniques.