Orthodontic movement of teeth with horizontal root fracture: a case report

Abstract

Horizontal root fractures involve injuries to the dentin, pulp, cementum, and periodontal ligament. Although this type of injury is relatively rare, comprising only 0.5–7% of all trauma cases in the permanent dentition, orthodontists should possess adequate knowledge to manage cases involving this type of traumatic dental injury. This case study reports the successful outcome of orthodontic management for a patient with Class II Division 2 malocclusion compli- cated by crowding and a horizontal root fracture of an upper permanent central incisor. The root-fractured tooth was successfully moved, allowing the patient to retain his natural tooth and providing a viable alternative to extraction and prosthetic replacement for teeth with horizontal root fractures in patients requiring comprehensive orthodontic treatment.