Avulsion of permanent teeth with open apex: a systematic review of the literature

Considered the most serious of dental in�uries, avulsion is known as the total displacement of tooth out of its socket. Treatment includes immediate replantation and its success is directly related to several factors. Objective: This paper aimed to review the literature in a systematic way on dental avulsion of permanent teeth with open apex, covering various topics such as: reason for avulsion; storage media; time out of the socket; use of antibiotics; splinting time; tooth vitality; presence of resorption and/or obliteration of pulp canal; and following-up time. Material and methods: PubMed/MedLine database and Dental Traumatology journal were searched, from May to June of 2011, and several studies comprising the current and classic literature were listed using the following terms: tooth avulsion, open apex, permanent and case report. Results and conclusion: Twelve cases reports were selected. Cases of dental trauma in open apex teeth may have a good prognosis if the following steps are taken: the hydration of the tooth and immediately replantation. It is important to search dental care, even if everything seems solved, and the tooth following-up should be performed periodically as informed by the dentist.