Fractures of the alveolar process of the jaw A clinical and radiographic follow‐up study

Abstract

Abstract— A study is reported on the prognosis of fractures confined to the alveolar process. The clinical and radiographic findings concern 29 patients with alveolar fractures, involving 71 permanent teeth. The observation period varied from 1 to 12 years (mean 6.5 years). A multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between postoperative complications, such as pulp necrosis, pulp obliteration, and 18 clinical factors. Pulp necrosis was observed in 75% of the involved teeth and was found to be significantly related to the time interval from injury to permanent fixation. Pulp obliteration was recorded in 15% of the involved teeth and was found to be related to the observation period and time interval from injury to permanent fixation. Loss of marginal supporting bone was registered in 13% and progressive root resorption in 11% of the involved teeth.