About Dental Trauma Management
Traumatic injuries are described as injuries resulting from external or internal forces that can affect the quality of life of the patients. Different types of facial structures are injured due to traumatic forces. Multiple injuries can occur depending upon intensity of forces. Dental trauma is very common, and often occurs alongside other injuries, especially facial and head injuries.
The management of traumatic dental injuries is often difficult and depends on type of dentition, weather primary or permanent dentition is involved. Various types of management techniques have been advocated for comprehensive treatment of traumatic injuries. Splinting has become one of the commonly used methods for management of traumatized teeth. It helps in repositioning and stabilization of teeth. Different types of splints have been used for management of traumatic injuries depending on the type of injury and type of fixation required.
Management of dental trauma is different when primary as compared to permanent teeth are impacted, as primary teeth are never repositioned, splinted or replanted. Severe injuries to primary teeth can cause later problems in the formation and eruption of permanent teeth. Treatment of injuries to primary teeth are aimed at minimising additional risks to the developing permanent teeth. Crown discolouration is a common complication after dental injury.
Healing after a dental injury requires good oral hygiene. Swabbing the area with 0.1% chlorhexidine twice a day for 10–14 days reduces the infection risk. A soft diet will also allow loose teeth to become firmer.
Treatment of dental trauma varies according to the type of injury involved, most common are:
- Fracture
- Avulsion
- Luxation (tooth displacement)
Traumatic injuries to anterior teeth are one of the commonly faced problems faced by young children and adolescents. The main causes for traumatic injuries include accidents, contact sports, falls, and violence. Trauma incidence in permanent dentition is at its peak between 8 years and 10 years when children start engaging in different types of contact sports. Appropriate use of a mouthguard during sports can minimise dental trauma.
Maxillary central incisors are most commonly affected. Trauma to periodontal ligament and alveolar bones are also common along with dental trauma. In cases of any trauma to the facial region, the incidence of maxillary anterior being injured is 37% as they are most anteriorly placed in the arch which are followed by maxillary laterals (16%) and mandibular central incisors.
Following orofacial trauma, jaw fractures and dislocation of teeth are the most common findings. Adequate treatment of traumatic injuries should be done in children with different types of goals in mind.
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