Decoronation: Treatment of a tooth undergoing replacement resorption

Dental trauma is most common during the early mixed dentition age. Various treatment options are recommended, depending on the severity of the trauma and the stage of root development. This case describes the treatment of a dento-alveolar fracture involving the upper right central and lateral incisors with incomplete root formation. The aim of this report is to highlight decoronation as a viable treatment option for permanent teeth undergoing replacement resorption as a consequence of trauma. Ankylosis and replacement resorption can occur in dentition compromised by trauma. These consequences occur due to damage of the periodontal ligament and subsequently fusion of the alveolar bone and root. The root is progressively resorbed and replaced by bone. Decoronation is indicated as a treatment option for permanent teeth undergoing replacement resorption. This case describes a multidisciplinary approach in patient care between the Paediatric and Oral surgery department. We hope to add to the body of evidence that decoronation offers good clinical outcomes for teeth undergoing replacement resorption. Bucco-palatal width of the alveolar ridge is retained allowing implant retained restorative options when growth is complete. This treatment offers an alternative to extraction which would result in loss of alveolar height and width.