A retrospective cohort study of pulp prognosis in luxated permanent teeth: a competing risk analysis

Aim The present retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate luxated permanent teeth for pulp prognosis and risk factors. Methodology Case records and radiographs of 224 patients, involving 427 luxated permanent teeth, referred for treatment at the Dental Trauma Center–School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, (DTC-SD–UFMG) from 2014 to 2022, were assessed for pulp prognosis classified as vitality, necrosis and pulp canal obliteration (PCO). A competing risk survival analysis estimated the hazards of the three outcomes, and the effect of demographic, clinical and treatment variables was tested using a cause specific Cox regression model. Results Pulp vitality was found in163 teeth (38.2%), pulp necrosis in 120 teeth (28.1%) and 55 teeth (12.9%) developed PCO. Pulp vitality decreased in the presence of concomitant crown fractures (HR 0.38 95% CI [0.2–0.8] p = 0.006). The risk of pulp necrosis (HR 0.62 95% CI [0.4–0.96] p = 0.03) was lower in cases with open apices but increased with concomitant crown fractures (HR 4.0 95% CI [2.6–6.1] p = 0.001) and intrusions (HR 2.3 95% CI [1.2–4.1] p = 0.007). Lateral or extrusive luxations (HR 3.0 95% CI [1.3–6.9] p = 0.001) and open apices (HR 2.4 95% CI [1.2–4.7] p = 0.01) showed higher rates of PCO. Conclusion Type of luxation, the diameter of the apical foramen, and the presence of concomitant crown fractures were main determinants of pulp prognosis after luxation injuries in permanent teeth. Clinical relevance Pulp prognosis after tooth luxation is dependent on the presence and direction of tooth displacement together with infection control. Clinical trial registration Not applicable.