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Schott TC, Engel E et al. Dent Traumatol 2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2011.01041.x

Teeth that are intruded as a consequence of injury can develop one of several perturbations including ankylosis-related (replacement) resorption. A Cochrane Review (Interventions for the management of external root resorption) concluded there is no evidence as to how this condition should be managed. The authors of this paper state that if the injury results in only mild intrusion, the tooth could spontaneously re-erupt, particularly if root growth is incomplete. But how long should the practitioner monitor the situation? This case history describes the care of a patient who, when seven years old, received a traumatic intrusion of UL1. The tooth became ankylosed. Ten years later, the dental aesthetic of the submerged tooth was restored with a metal ceramic crown. Some 15 years after the injury, the tooth spontaneously re-erupted. A combined orthodontic/restorative approach restored a satisfactory dental appearance.