THE PROGNOSIS OF THE TEETH IN THE MANDIBULAR FRACTURE LINES

하악골 골절선상에 위치한 치아의 예후에 관한 연구

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the vitality of the teeth in and adjacent to the mandibular fracture line according to variable conditions of fracture and to establish the protocol of treatment of fracture line teeth. Materials and Methods : The vitality of 97 teeth in fracture line and 104 teeth adjacent to fracture line of 52 patients were invested preoperatively. Of these, 66 teeth in fracture line and 72 teeth adjacent to fracture line were monitored at least 6 months after operation. An electric pulp tester was used to measure pulpal response. The relationships between the vitality of teeth in variable time(preoperation, immediate post-operation; within 1 week after operation, and 6 months after operation) and variable conditions of fracture(horizontal, vertical gap of fracture line, the number of fracture line)were evaluated statistically. Result : The vitality of fracture line teeth in the 6 months after operation statistically differed by the vertical gap of fracture line and the number of fracture line. The vitality of fracture line adjacent teeth in the immediate post-operation only statistically differed by the vertical gap of fracture line. There were statistically differences between preoperative EPT value and vitality of fracture line teeth on 6 months after operation. There were 5 cases of complications including periapical and periodontal abscess. Of these, only one tooth was extracted and the others were well treated with endodontic treatment and subgingival curettage. Conclusion : It is recommended to retain teeth and to monitor the vitality of teeth in and adjacent to fracture line, unless there is an absolute indication for extraction.