Dental Trauma

Types of Injuries in the Oral and Maxillofacial Area:

Skin, Lip, and Gum Injuries:
Soft tissues may get injured during an accident, commonly resulting in abrasions or bruising. These injuries, both inside and outside the mouth, should be cleaned as quickly as possible. Bleeding from these tissues can usually be controlled with pressure. Depending on the severity of the injury, medical or dental assistance should be sought.

• Tooth Displacement (Lateral Position, Inward or Outward)
  Tooth displacement requires immediate dental attention. We attempt to carefully reposition the tooth into its original position if possible, and stabilize it gently with gauze or a clean tissue. It is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible, as the first few hours are critical for the outcome. 

• Avulsion
  Avulsion = the partial or complete displacement of the tooth from its socket in the jaw (alveolus) due to trauma to the face.

  Immediate Management of Permanent Tooth Avulsion:

  • Find the tooth and hold it by the white part (avoid touching the root).

  • Rinse the tooth with plain water (without detergent, soap, or antiseptic).

  • Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket (in the mouth) immediately.

  • Hold the tooth in place with a piece of gauze or a clean tissue until you reach the dentist.

  • Call your dentist or endodontist immediately to prepare for prompt treatment.

  • If reinsertion of the tooth into the socket is not possible, store the tooth:

    1. In milk,

    2. In a container with saline solution,

    3. Inside your mouth (if no other options are available),
       until you reach the dentist.

We must know that the amount of time a tooth remains outside the socket is a crucial factor. The sooner the tooth is reinserted into its socket, the higher the success rate of reimplantation.

• A primary (baby) tooth should never be reimplanted!

Tooth Fracture
This is not an emergency situation, but it is certainly one that needs to be addressed. Try to find the broken piece and store it in water or milk (it should not be left dry). The dentist may be able to bond it back into place. Without panic, visit your dentist as soon as possible.

• Jaw and Joint Fracture
  This condition requires immediate attention. Call emergency services if the patient has difficulty breathing or loses consciousness. If the patient is unconscious, place them in a recovery position. Ensure that the patient can breathe and is not choking. Support the jaw gently with your hand or a bandage. Take the patient to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.