Abstract
PURPOSE: This study used descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate healing complications and survival time of avulsed permanent teeth. METHODS: Records of children and adolescents with avulsion injury were identified, and data on age, gender, cause of trauma, number of affected teeth, and status of other teeth and supporting tissues were analyzed. In addition, data on root formation status, duration and medium of extraoral storage, and healing complications of avulsed and replanted permanent teeth were obtained for patients who attended follow-up appointments. RESULTS: During a period of almost 20 years, 187 permanent teeth of 138 patients were avulsed. Avulsion injuries were more frequent in males and at 10-12 years of age. Falls were the main cause of avulsion, and the teeth most frequently affected were the maxillary central incisors. Seventeen of 51 replanted and followed teeth were retained. Retention was shorter for teeth stored in dry medium. Duration of tooth retention was positively correlated with patient age at the time of trauma. The most common healing complications were ankylosis (70.6%) and inflammatory root resorption (54.9%). CONCLUSION: Outcomes of traumatic injuries are multifactorial, and favorable storage conditions, shorter duration of extraoral storage, and biological response are important for survival of avulsed teeth.