Conservative management of a cervical horizontal root fracture by long-term stabilisation: A case report

Cervical root fractures are often more difficult to manage than fractures of the apical and middle third of the root, due to the weak chance of healing with dental hard tissue between fragments, and the likelihood of subsequent infection of the root canal system. This case report describes the management of a cervical horizontal root fracture by repositioning the coronal fragment of a maxillary central incisor, and long-term splinting using a bonded lingual orthodontic retainer wire. Throughout the 7-year stabilisation period with clinical and radiographic follow-up, the tooth has remained asymptomatic with radiographic evidence of progressive pulp canal obliteration. In applicable cases, long-term stabilisation of the fractured coronal fragment with a fixed orthodontic retainer may offer a minimally invasive solution to maintain pulp vitality, function and aesthetics until cessation of growth or until a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is required.