Clinical management of a pediatric dental avulsion. Literature review and case report

Abstract

Introduction: Dental avulsion, defined as the complete loss of a tooth from its socket, is one of the most common traumatic injuries in the primary dentition, especially in preschool children. Timely management is essential to prevent functional, aesthetic, and emotional consequences. Objective: To describe the clinical approach following dental avulsion in the primary dentition, highlighting the use of the Groper appliance as a functional and aesthetic restorative alternative in pediatric patients. Case presentation: A 4-year-old male patient presented for dental consultation one year after suffering trauma due to a fall that caused the avulsion of the upper right central incisor (tooth 51). The mother reported speech difficulties since the accident. The clinical evaluation revealed the corresponding edentulous space with no signs of inflammation or damage to the adjacent teeth. The fabrication and placement of a Groper appliance were indicated as a space maintainer to restore phonation and preserve facial aesthetics during the growth stage until the eruption of the permanent tooth. Conclusion: The use of the Groper appliance in cases of avulsion in primary dentition represents an effective therapeutic option that contributes to the functional and aesthetic recovery of pediatric patients, improving the child's quality of life after dentoalveolar trauma.