Abstract
It is well known that the majority of dental injuries occur in children and adolescent. An injury to the teeth can have serious and long-term consequences, leading to their discoloration, malformation, or possible loss. The emotional impact of such an injury can be far reaching. The majority of dental injuries in the primary and permanent dentitions involve the anterior teeth, especially the maxillary central incisors. Concussion, subluxation, and luxation are the commonest injuries in the primary dentition, while uncomplicated crown fractures are commonest in the permanent dentition. If it is decided to preserve a traumatized primary tooth, it should be carefully observed for clinical and radiographic signs of pulpal or periodontal complications. Radiographs are also examined closely to disclose any damage to the permanent successor. The intervals between reexaminations should be individualized depending on the severity of trauma, the expected type of complications and the age of the patient. Most complications are observed within the first year of the trauma. However, the follow-up evaluation of permanent teeth should continue until treatment of all complications is completed, or until a lost or extracted permanent tooth has been adequately replaced. It is important that the dentist and the other members of the dental team are well prepared to meet the many complex and challenging problems in the care of dental emergencies.
