# Conservative Management of Horizontal Fracture and Lateral Luxation in the Anterior Region: A 20-Year Follow-Up Case Report With Late Complications

## TL;DR

This case report follows a young patient with dental trauma over 20 years, showing how conservative treatment can delay implants but may still lead to complications.

## Contribution

A 20-year follow-up of a dental trauma case with late complications, emphasizing long-term outcomes of conservative management.

## Key findings

- Conservative treatment preserved the teeth for 17 years before complications arose.
- Late complications eventually required extraction and implant placement.
- Regular follow-up and early intervention are critical for long-term success.

## Abstract

The protocolization of dental trauma treatment has significantly improved the prognosis of affected teeth. However, the primary objective in many cases is to buy time, as late complications may compromise the tooth's retention. This case report presents the long-term follow-up of an 18-year-old patient who sustained lateral luxation of Tooth 1.1 and a horizontal fracture of Tooth 2.1 due to trauma. Initial treatment included repositioning and splinting, followed by root canal therapy. Over 17 years, both teeth remained functional, although complications arose later, leading to their eventual extraction and replacement with implants. This case highlights the benefits of maintaining natural teeth in young patients and discusses potential complications with implant placement. The importance of regular follow-up and early intervention in trauma cases is emphasized, as well as the need to inform patients about the risks and benefits of different treatment approaches. The conservative management of dental trauma, especially in young patients, can effectively delay the need for implants and preserve natural teeth. Regular follow-up and early intervention are crucial to prevent complications and maintain long-term esthetic and functional outcomes.