Diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma has been well established, and the protocols of the International Association of Dental Traumatology allow the clinician to make correct decisions when dealing with a particular case [1]. Among the different types of dental trauma, dental dislocation comprises 15%-61% of cases of the permanent teeth, with a peak at 8–12 years [2]. The dislocation usually causes a displacement of one or more teeth lingually and, less frequently, buccally or laterally [3]. Because these events are usually accompanied by fracture of the crown and/or root, they are considered emergency situations requiring immediate treatment. The dislocated tooth is a category within dental traumatisms, under which loosening (subluxation), extrusion, lateral dislocation, and intrusion are subcategories in order of severity. The extrusive lesion represents only 2.6% of the dental traumas; however, it has a high incidence of pulpal necrosis.⁴ Regardless of the direction of the dislocation, the traumatically displaced permanent tooth requires a splint for its stabilization once it has been correctly replaced [4,5]. Current protocol dictates that once repositioned in its original location; it must be stabilized with a flexible splint for 4 weeks [6]. Sometimes, correct replacement is hindered by various factors such as delayed treatment (causing stabilization of the hematoma), bony locking mechanism [7], or the inability to achieve proper anesthesia to manipulate the tooth due to edema or soft tissue hemorrhage. In such situations, it is possible that the tooth would remain in an elongated position. The extrusive dislocation of a permanent central incisor in an adult is described in the following case. Treatment after incompletely replacing it in its original position includes the use of a removable splint that aims to stabilize the tooth and correct the elongation.   

A 12-year-old woman came to the clinic with severe facial trauma due to a fall. On examination, there was significant soft tissue edema, with a bite wound on the lower lip. Intraorally, tooth mobility of the upper right central incisor was observed, with sensitivity to percussion and a 1.5-mm displacement in the apico-coronal direction. Radiographically, there was no bone or tooth fracture. Because of the important inflammatory component, it was not possible to obtain sufficient anesthesia, making it impossible to manipulate the tooth (Figure 1). Anti-inflammatory treatment was prescribed and the patient was rescheduled for 48h (Figure 2A). Then, under local anesthesia, the tooth was repositioned by digital pressure. However, that did not prove satisfactory (Figure 2B), so a conventional alginate impression was taken. Once empty, the model cuts the incisal edge of the upper right central incisor to its ideal position (Figure 3). On the model, a splint with an average thickness of 120 mm was made with the thermoformable, biocompatible material PETG (polyethylene terephthalate modified with glycol) (Figure 4). The patient was re-examined at 1 week (Figure 2C), 2 weeks (Figure 2D), and 12 weeks (Figure 2E), noting that the tooth was well aligned and correctly positioned. The vitality tests were positive, that is, there was no pulpar necrosis. After 4 weeks, the splint was discontinued, and the patient was instructed to return for weekly checkups.

Figure 1: Trauma day.

Figure 2: Case evolution. (A) 48-h post trauma. (B) Tooth repositioned. (C) First week with splint. (D) Second week with splint. (E) 12 weeks after treatment.

Figure 3: Design for splint fabrication.

Figure 4: Mouth splint placement.

Dental luxation requires the immediate replacement of the tooth to achieve its correct position and avoid as much as possible loss of pulp vitality. Usually, replacement is done manually or by means of forceps. It may be necessary to extrude the tooth from its alveolus and reinsert it with compression of the palatal and buccal bone to facilitate healing of the periodontal ligament; [8] not so often, replacement can be done by means of a tongue depressor [2,9,10].There is not enough information about the time limit for successful replacement of a dislocated tooth; apparently a delay of 24 [11] or even 48 hours not relevant [7]. However, delay can prevent correct replacement because of organization of the clot. Stabilization is the second factor to be considered in treating the dislocated tooth. Before the “adhesive era,” most dental traumas were stabilized by means of gold or acrylic cap splints or arch bars. The use of these types of splints tends to increase the frequency of pulp necrosis; besides, their rigidity can have a detrimental effect on the healing process and hinder oral hygiene. Currently, flexible splints are used, although different types have been described: acid-etch-and-composite splint, bonded-wire splint, splinting with fiberglass, and titanium trauma splint [5,12]. All have in common allowance for physiological movements of the teeth.

The stabilization method described herein using a removable splint combined two important advantages:

• It stabilized the traumatized tooth
• It allowed the physiological movements of the teeth.
• It guided the replaced, elongated tooth into its correct position, permitting study of the pulp vitality, did not hinder oral hygiene, did not damage enamel or soft tissues.
• It was easy to make, and was economical.
• It can be useful in intruding dislocated teeth, and it can be used after correct dental replacement, for which only dental stabilization is desired.

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