Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Dr. Garry Myers

Second Advisor

Dr. Frederica Mackert

Third Advisor

Dr. Caroline Carrico

Abstract

A RETROSPECTIVE CHART REVIEW OF AVULSION INJURIES TREATED AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY. By: Ryan Hediger, DMD

Objective: Outcomes related to healing following an avulsion injury are multifactorial. However, contemporary literature suggests that tooth survival can be enhanced after such injuries by promptly replanting the tooth and adhering to proper management guidelines. Despite the abundance of resources available, the actions taken immediately after the avulsion injury play a pivotal role in determining the fate of an avulsed tooth. The primary objective of the current investigation is to unveil prognostic factors associated with the survival of avulsed teeth.

Methods: A chart review was conducted for patients seen at the VCU School of Dentistry for treatment related to an avulsion injury between 2012-2022. A total of 59 cases met the inclusion criteria and patient charts were reviewed by the author in each case to gather details regarding the presentation and management of the avulsed tooth. Data points collected included the patients current age, age at the time of injury, tooth number, stage of root development, time out of the socket, storage solution, type of initial treatment provided, number of days splinted, whether antibiotics were prescribed, presence of inflammatory and/or replacement resorption at any point, as well as the cause of the avulsion injury were all recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations with extracted and survived teeth following the avulsion.

Results: Survival of an avulsed tooth was significantly associated with whether or not calcium hydroxide was placed (p-value=0.0277) and whether or not the teeth were splinted (p- value=0.0078). Of the 40 teeth where CaOH was placed, 10% resulted in extraction compared to 37% of those where it was not documented. Of the 50 cases where the teeth were splinted, 12% required extraction compared to 56% of those without documented splinting.

Conclusion: The placement of calcium hydroxide and the use of splinting are significantly associated with improved survival rates of avulsed teeth in this study. These findings underscore the importance of promptly implementing these interventions in the management of avulsion injuries to optimize tooth retention and overall patient outcomes.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2024.

Thesis Advisor: Garry Myers, DDS, FACD, FICD

Department of Endodontics

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-6-2024

Available for download on Tuesday, May 06, 2025

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