J Korean Acad Conserv Dent.  2010 Nov;35(6):492-496. 10.5395/JKACD.2010.35.6.492.

Pulp vitality and coronal discoloration following traumatic injuries

• Yoon TS
• Kong HG
• Kim E

• KMID: 2176472
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2010.35.6.492

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.

Keyword

Discoloration; Pulp vitality; Trauma; Ultrasound doppler

MeSH Terms

Capillaries
Cold Temperature
Regeneration
Rupture
Tooth

Figure

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  Figure 1 Periapical view at the first exam and after tooth reduction.

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

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  Figure 3 Periapical view and clinical photo at 6 weeks follow-up (discoloration on #21).

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  Figure 4 Ultrasound doppler graphy imaging on #11, 21, 22 (from top).

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  Figure 5 Periapical view and clinical photo at 6 weeks follow-up (regain the color on #21).

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