Iatrogenic Surgical Damage to a Developing Tooth upon Supernumerary Tooth Extraction: A Case Report with 10.5 Years of Follow-Up

Abstract

Surgical removal procedure of the impacted supernumerary tooth might traumatize adjacent tooth follicles due to proximity of tooth germs. Iatrogenic damage to a developing tooth has rarely been reported. This case report describes surgically damaged maxillary right lateral incisor with a long-term follow-up. A restorative procedure had been planned to be initiated after complete root formation. However, during the root formation period, apical radiolucency was detected and loss of tooth vitality with chronic apical periodontitis was diagnosed. The damaged tooth erupted properly enough to allow for restorative treatment. Root canal treatment was performed including composite resin restoration of defected lesion. The timing of restorative intervention of the affected teeth might be highly controversial. Clinical implication and guidelines for the management of iatrogenic root damage in developing tooth are discussed.