RTA Case Summary
Case Study
RTA Case Summary
This case study outlines the successful treatment of a young male patient with complex dental trauma resulting from a road traffic accident by Dr. K. Seethalakshmi
Patient Profile
The patient presented affected teeth with progressive discoloration and aesthetic concerns
Age: 17-year-old male
Presenting Complaint: Discolored and broken upper front teeth.
History: The patient was involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) at the age of 13, which resulted in a fracture of his upper front teeth. He did not seek immediate dental care at the time. After four years, he presented to Anna Nagar Dental Clinic due to the progressive discoloration and aesthetic concerns with the affected teeth.
Clinical Findings & Diagnosis
Upon examination, teeth #11 and #21 were found to have a crown fracture (Ellis Class I). Tooth #21 also exhibited noticeable discoloration, indicating a non-vital pulp. A localized area of marginal gingivitis was observed around tooth #21, presenting as bleeding gums. The patient’s bite was also evaluated, revealing malocclusion with crowding of the lower anterior teeth and a protrusion of the upper front teeth.
A subsequent intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiograph of the area confirmed periapical pathology associated with tooth #21.
Treatment Plan & Execution
The treatment plan was executed successfully, with the primary goals of restoring the patient’s oral health, addressing the non-vital tooth, and improving the aesthetics and function of his smile. The procedure was successfully carried out by Dr. K. Seethalakshmi.
Initial Therapy: The patient was prescribed an antibiotic course to address any potential infection and advised to take regular Vitamin C supplements and use an astringent gum paint to improve gingival health.
Oral Prophylaxis: A professional scaling and polishing were performed to remove plaque and tartar and reduce gingivitis.
Root Canal Therapy (RCT): Root canal treatment was performed on the non-vital tooth #21 to remove the infected pulp and prepare the tooth for restoration.
Aesthetic Restoration: To restore the fractured teeth and improve the patient’s smile, a fixed partial denture (FPD) with Zirconia Jacket Crowns was planned for teeth #11 and #21. The Zirconia crowns were chosen for their durability and excellent aesthetic properties.
Discussion & Recommendations
This case highlights several critical points in dental trauma management and long-term oral health.
Importance of Timely Intervention: The four-year delay in seeking treatment for the fractured teeth led to the development of pulp necrosis and subsequent periapical pathology in tooth #21. Early intervention after dental trauma is crucial for a more conservative and predictable outcome, often reducing the need for extensive procedures like RCT.
Impact of Malocclusion: The patient’s pre-existing malocclusion, specifically the protruded upper front teeth, likely contributed to their susceptibility to fracture during the accident. This underscores the importance of early orthodontic evaluation. We advised the patient to consider fixed appliances (braces) or clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign) to correct the malocclusion, which would not only improve aesthetics but also protect the restored teeth from future trauma.
Conclusion
The successful outcome of this case demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive and staged treatment approach for complex dental trauma. By combining initial therapeutic measures, essential oral prophylaxis, specialized endodontic care, and aesthetic prosthetic restoration, Dr. K. Seethalakshmi was able to restore the patient’s oral health, function, and confidence. This case serves as a valuable reminder of the benefits of early dental intervention following traumatic injuries to prevent future complications and achieve optimal, conservative treatment results.
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