7.2: Lateral luxation

(b) Fig7.5.1b.eps

Table 7.2.1 Clinical features of lateral luxation injuries

  • The crown of the tooth is displaced laterally (usually palatally or buccally).
  • The tooth may become trapped in a fractured alveolar plate and be completely immobile.
  • Percussion of a luxated tooth trapped in bone elicits an ankylotic tone.
  • If the tooth has not become trapped in bone, it will be hyper-mobile.
  • The lip is generally oedematous.
  • There may be a haematoma of the lip and adjacent sulcus.
  • Lacerations of the lip and gingivae are common.

Parallax view intraoral radiographs (Figures 7.2.2a and b) of the upper central incisor teeth and a limited volume cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the same area (Figure 7.2.3) were taken to discern the exact nature of the injury. The intraoral periapical radiographs demonstrated widening of the periodontal ligament space on the mesial aspect of the 11. However, there was little else of significance. The remaining maxillary anterior teeth had a normal radiographic appearance on these conventional radiographs. In contrast to the periapical radiographs, the CBCT scan clearly demonstrated the full extent of the injury to the 11. The crown of the tooth had been displaced palatally, while the root of the tooth had rotated labially, resulting in a fracture of the labial cortical plate. The tooth had consequently become engaged and locked in the alveolar bone. The tooth did not sustain any root fractures. The ‘locked’ position of the tooth explained its lack of clinical mobility and the high-pitched tone it produced when percussed. Table 7.2.2 outlines radiographic features of lateral luxation injuries.

Figure 7.2.2 (a) Pre-operative periapical radiograph (left) of the 11 shows a widening of the periodontal ligament space on the mesial aspect of the 11, (b) pre-operative periapical radiograph (right) with a shift in the X-ray tube to the right.

(a) Fig7.5.2a.eps (b) Fig7.5.2b.eps

Figure 7.2.3 A CBCT scan confirms the lateral luxation injury of the 11. (a) Axial, (b) coronal, and (c) sagittal reconstructed images clearly show the nature of the luxation injury to the 11. The labial displacement of the root has resulted in an increased palatal periodontal space (yellow arrow) and a consequent fracture of the alveolar cortical plate due to the buccal rotation of the root (red arrow). The crown of the tooth had been palatally luxated, resulting in the root being pushed labially.

Fig7.5.3.eps

Table 7.2.2 Radiographic features of lateral luxation injuries

  • The laterally luxated tooth will display widening of the periodontal ligament space on conventional radiographs.
  • Conventional radiographs may not show the exact nature of the injury.
  • CBCT will provide a three-dimensional image of the extent, direction and nature of the luxation injury and of any associated alveolar fractures.

Diagnosis

What is the diagnosis?

The diagnosis is lateral (palatal) luxation of the upper right central incisor (11).

Why were two radiographs and a CBCT scan taken?

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Related posts:

  1. 1.3: Chronic periapical periodontitis with suppuration
  2. 3.1: Apexification
  3. 1.4: Chronic periapical periodontitis with an extraoral sinus
  4. 3.3: Pulp capping in a mature tooth
  5. 5.4: Surgical management of a perforation
  6. 4.5: Working length determination

Stay updated, free dental videos. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Mar 13, 2015 | Posted by in Endodontics | Comments Off on 7.2: Lateral luxation

VIDEdental - Online dental courses
Get VIDEdental app for watching clinical videos