Management of dental trauma in children and adolescents

The emergency treatment of dental trauma has traditionally been handled in the emergency rooms of medical centers, or in the dental office. With increasing emphasis on comprehensive medical care, and the tendency of more recent graduates to locate in rural areas, there is a growing trend for physicians to be involved in providing emergency care for traumatic injuries to the dental and oral tissues. The authors discuss the etiology of dental trauma and the highly psychologic impact of such injuries upon the patient and parents. Techniques for prevention and a comprehensive plan are outlined for systematic history taking and examination. A classification of eight levels of dental injuries (5), techniques for the emergency, and subsequent restorative care are given. Emphasis is placed upon immediate care which can, if necessary, be provided by the physician pending referral to a dentist.