Aim
To describe a novel surgical method (crown rotation surgery) to manage inversely impacted central incisors with immature roots.
Methodology
Two young patients each presented with an inversely impacted maxillary central incisor. To protect the apical tissues, the two impacted incisors were rotated downwards to a relatively normal position without extraction from their bony sockets.
Results
After crown rotation surgery, spontaneous eruption, continuous root development, and periodontal healing of the rotated incisors were observed. The pulp retained vitality and blood flow was normal. Moreover, there were no obvious signs of pulp canal obliteration (PCO), as indicated by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging.
Conclusions
By optimising protection of the vital pulp and apical tissues, crown rotation surgery represents a minimally invasive, conservative, and practical surgical technique for treating inversely impacted incisors with developing roots. In contrast to existing surgical methods, crown rotation surgery may avoid certain complications, including PCO and abnormal or arrested root development.
Key learning points
By optimizing protection of the vital pulp and apical tissues, crown rotation surgery represents a minimally invasive, conservative and practical surgical technique for treating inversely impacted incisors with developing roots.
In contrast to existing surgical methods, crown rotation surgery may avoid certain complications, including PCO and abnormal or arrested root development.