What are the causes of dental trauma?

Teeth can be traumatized due to a number of causes including accidental falls, motor accidents, blow during fights, sports activities etc. Children and more so boys during the growing period are more prone for such injuries.

What are the different types of injuries to teeth and surrounding tissues?

Trauma to the oral structures can range from fractures involving the tooth crown, root or both to injury affecting the supporting structures or surrounding tissues or even complete dislodgment of the tooth from its socket. They may also be accompanied by injury of the tissue surrounding the teeth including the gums, bone supporting the teeth and the jaw bones.

Are all dental fractures to be considered as an emergency?

Not all fractures of the teeth may be considered as a dental emergency. Fractures can occur in a number of places in the teeth. Fractures that involve only the enamel or enamel and dentin may not pose much problems for the health and recovery of the teeth. These are called uncomplicated fractures. Complicated fractures of the teeth are those where the pulp tissue is exposed to the exterior. These fractures are to be treated as an emergency and may require endodontic treatment

How is uncomplicated crown fracture treated?

Very minor chipping involving only the tip of the crown can be treated by reshaping the teeth followed by polishing. In case of slightly larger fractures involving the enamel and dentin composite fillings can be given to replace the broken part.

How is complicated crown fracture treated?

In case the pulp exposure is small and the area is clean, then medicated cements can be placed over the exposed pulp to allow the pulp tissue to heal. Larger pulp exposures may require partial pulpotomy procedures where a part of the pulp tissue is removed and medicated dressings are placed over the remaining pulp for healing. Some complicated fractures may require comprehensive endodontic treatment.

In case the entire crown comes off can the tooth still be saved?

Fractures can occur at the neck of the tooth leading to the entire crown being lost. In these types of fractures the remaining root can be treated endodontically and a post inserted into it which can support an artificial crown.