Timing of orthodontic tooth movement in a case with traumatized and avulsed anterior teeth.

A traumatic injury to a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment resulted in avulsion, dislodgement, and fracture of upper anterior teeth. Deciding when to institute endodontic treatment and when to resume orthodontic treatment was based upon minimizing the changes for ankyloses and root resorption. Endodontic treatment was carried out two weeks after trauma, and orthodontic treatment continued three weeks after trauma. Radiographs taken six months, one year, and two years after orthodontic completion showed progressive root resorption to the avulsed tooth and minimum root resorption to the remaining anterior teeth.