Pulp vitality and coronal discoloration following traumatic injuries

Tae-Sun Yoon; Hyung-Gyu Kong; Euiseong Kim

doi:10.5395/JKACD.2010.35.6.492

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Yoon, Kong, and Kim: Pulp vitality and coronal discoloration following traumatic injuries

Case Report

Journal of Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry

Journal of Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 2010; 35(6): 492-496.

Published online: 30 November 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2010.35.6.492

Pulp vitality and coronal discoloration following traumatic injuries

Tae-Sun Yoon, DDS, Hyung-Gyu Kong, DDS, MSD, Euiseong Kim, DDS, MSD, PhD

Professor

Microscope Center, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

Correspondence to Euiseong Kim, DDS, MSD, PhD. Professor, Microscope Center, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Yonsei University School of Dentistry, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea 120-752. TEL, +82-2-2228-3150; FAX, +82-2-313-7575; andyendo@yuhs.ac

Received 26 August 2010 Revised 13 September 2010 Accepted 19 October 2010

Abstract

Coronal discoloration is a common sequela to traumatic injuries. In subluxation cases, although the injury is not strong enough to rupture the apical vessels, discoloration may appear by tearing thin walls or occluding small capillaries. In absence of infection pulpal regeneration can occur, and as a result discoloration may completely or partially subside. But judging pulpal status by coronal discoloration can be dangerous and it may lead to unnecessary treatment.

This case presents coronal discoloration and recovery following traumatic injury of maxillary anterior teeth. In diagnosing traumatized teeth routine cold tests or electric pulp tests are known to be unreliable, but with the aid of ultrasound doppler imaging, assessing pulp vitality of traumatized teeth can be more accurate.

Keywords: Discoloration, Pulp vitality, Trauma, Ultrasound doppler

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

Periapical view at the first exam and after tooth reduction.

Figure 2

Periapical view and clinical photo at 2 weeks follow-up (discoloration on #21).

Figure 3

Periapical view and clinical photo at 6 weeks follow-up (discoloration on #21).

Figure 4

Ultrasound doppler graphy imaging on #11, 21, 22 (from top).

Figure 5

Periapical view and clinical photo at 6 weeks follow-up (regain the color on #21).

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