Histologic analysis of not-exposed dental pulp tissue after traumatic lesions

Purpose: This report analyzed the histologic modifications of pulp tissue in three permanent maxillary incisors with a traumatic crown fracture. Methods: AU teeth showed no pulp exposure and were therefore reconstructed using a light-cured composite. After three months, the sensitivity tests gave no response and a pulpectomy was performed. The pulp tissue was extracted and prepared for histologic examination. Results: In case 1 a normally organized pulp tissue with a reduced number of pulp cells, an increased amount of collagen fibers and irregular calcifications were observed. Case 2 displayed signs of tissue degeneration: several scattered calcifications, increased vascularization and polymorphonuclear leucocytes infiltration. In case 3 a colliquative necrosis involved several portions of the pulp. No stained bacterial colonies were evidenced in the three specimens. Clinical significance: Uncomplicated crown fractures can lead to different degrees of pulp degeneration few months after mechanical trauma, thus recommending a frequent monitoring to provide a preservative dental care.