For incompletely developed permanent teeth (i.e. the root is not completely formed), there is some chance that the pulp may remain vital. The same precautions apply to the periodontal ligament, regardless of whether the tooth is fully formed or not. Replanting the tooth in its socket as soon as possible after the injury remains critical to preserving the vitality of the periodontal ligament. Applying a flexible splint is still generally done; however, it is usually left in place a bit longer (e.g. two weeks) to give the blood vessels and nerve tissues at the root tip adequate time to reattach (in medical terms, “reanastomose”) to the still-living tissues inside the tooth. Close follow-up to rule out pulp death (necrosis), infection, and resorption will be necessary for the injured tooth.
Rigid splinting is generally discouraged following replantation of avulsed teeth, because it can encourage ankylosis (fusion) of the tooth to the bone. Allowing some mobility discourages ankylosis and allows the fibers of the periodontal ligament to reattach and resume their normal function.
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