Root fractures in permanent anterior teeth with incomplete root formation.

A follow-up study was made of seven teeth with incomplete root formation observed in a group of 66 permanent teeth with root fracture. Three fractures were overlooked on the initial radiographs, two other teeth were suspected of being fractured, and an accurate diagnosis was made in two cases only. All teeth exhibited markedly increased mobility at the initial examination, and slight dislocation of the coronal fragment was found in two teeth. Following reduction (two teeth) and fixation (all teeth), the observation period ranged from 1 1/2 to 19 years. Retained pulp vitality, repair in the fracture area and, most important, approximately normal root development with closure of the apical foramen were observed in all teeth. Even the occurrence of re-fracture in two semmingly repaired teeth did not jeopardize the long-term result.