Surgical extrusion with an atraumatic extraction system: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Clinical studies evaluating the feasibility of a novel technique for the surgical extrusion of nonrestorable teeth with subgingival caries are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the success rate and incidence of biological and technical complications after tooth extrusion with an atraumatic extraction system (AES).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Participants were recruited from 61 consecutive patients initially referred to a specialist oral surgery practice. Fifty-one participants who underwent surgical extrusion with an AES followed by endodontic treatment and coronal restoration could be re-evaluated clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

The mean observation period was 3.1 years (range: 0.8 to 6.5 years). The participants varied in age between 24.8 and 86.3 years. The amount of extrusion was between 2.5 and 5.0 mm (mean 3.2 mm). At recall, 92.2% (47 of 51) of the extruded teeth were considered successful. All extruded teeth were asymptomatic, without clinical signs of inflammation. Percussion appeared normal and did not differ from that of the adjacent teeth, indicating absence of ankylosis. Transient resorption with a slightly altered root contour was detected in 5 of the 51 teeth. Minor reduction of the bone level (less than 10%) was detected in 8 of the 51. In a further 2 teeth, bone loss amounted to 25% and 30%. Periapical periodontitis at recall was seen in 4 of the 51 teeth, and a preexisting periapical lesion healed in 10 of 13. Root perforation was identified in 3 of the 51, and a further 3 of 11 were not available for recall. Thus, the technical complication rate was 9.7% (6 of 62).

CONCLUSIONS

The AES may be successfully used for surgical extrusion to save apparently nonrestorable teeth, irrespective of patient age.