With the arrival of warmer weather, we dedicate more time to all kinds of physical activity and sports. Many of these activities carry risks of accidents and injuries, and our mouths are no exception. With longer days, even the youngest members of the family enjoy more physical activity and play, making them equally susceptible to bumps and bruises.
When trauma occurs in the oral cavity, in addition to the teeth, the soft tissues of the mouth that receive the blow are also affected. It is also important to distinguish between trauma to primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. However, when we receive a blow to our oral cavity, we must act quickly and see a specialist for a clinical and radiographic examination. This will help prevent possible future complications.
HOW DO YOU PROCEED IN THE EVENT OF A DENTAL TRAUMA?
As previously mentioned, we must distinguish between trauma to primary and permanent teeth. Most injuries to primary teeth (children) usually occur in the upper central incisors; however, even though the teeth are primary, if not treated properly, the trauma can disrupt the subsequent development of the permanent teeth.
One thing we need to look at when trauma occurs in a child’s dentition is to pay attention to the coloration of the tooth.
- Thus, if after a blow we observe that the tooth darkens, we must monitor it with periodic medical and radiological tests; and keep track of its evolution.
- If, after the blow, the tooth is displaced, the first step would be to reposition it correctly using appropriate dental treatment. If this is not possible, the tooth should be extracted, and a space maintainer placed in its position to allow for the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.
- In the event that the tooth suffers a fracture, the procedure to follow will be the restoration of the tooth in order to preserve its vitality, function and aesthetics.
- In the event of complete avulsion of the primary tooth, it should never be reimplanted, as this could cause damage to the permanent tooth.
In the permanent dentition, trauma usually affects the upper central incisors. This type of trauma is typically caused by car accidents, contact sports, or falls. When trauma occurs to this dentition, the procedure to follow is as follows:
- In the event of a fracture, we must try to safeguard the vitality of the pulp and restore the tooth so that it maintains its function and aesthetics.
- When a tooth is luxated, it must be repositioned, especially if extrusion has occurred. Subsequently, it must be immobilized with a splint, and finally, clinical and radiographic follow-up must be performed for a specified period.
In the case of avulsion of a permanent tooth, the success of treatment depends on how long the tooth remains out of the socket. Thus, if it is reimplanted immediately, the prognosis is usually good. However, if immediate reimplantation is not possible, it is important to keep the tooth moist with milk or saliva to maintain the vitality of the periodontal fibers.
