REPLANTATION OF 400 AVULSED PERMANENT INCISORS .1. DIAGNOSIS OF HEALING COMPLICATIONS

A material of 322 patients with 400 avulsed and replanted permanent te eth were followed prospectively in the period from 1965 to 1988 (mean observation period = 5.1 yrs). The age of the patients at the time of replantation ranged from 5 to 52 yrs (mean = 13.7 yrs and median = 11. 0 yrs). Standardized patient records were used through the entire peri od in order to obtain valid data concerning the extent of injury and t reatment provided. At the follow-up period, pulpal and periodontal hea ling were monitored by clinical examination, mobility testing and stan dardized radiographic controls. Thirty-two of the replanted teeth (8%) showed pulpal healing. When related to teeth with incomplete root for mation, where pulpal revascularization was anticipated (n = 94) the fr equency of pulpal healing was 34%. Periodontal ligament healing (i.e. with no evidence of external root resorption) was found in 96 teeth (2 4%). Gingival healing was found in 371 teeth (93%). During the observa tion period, 119 teeth (30%) were extracted. Tooth loss was slightly m ore frequent in teeth with incomplete root formation at the time of re plantation than in teeth with completed root formation.