The management of traumatic tooth loss with dental implants: part 2. Severe trauma

In part 2 of this series, we look at the clinician's role in replacing multiple missing teeth and the associated soft tissues and bone, following severe forms of trauma. These patients usually wish to have fixed prostheses to help restore their appearance and function. In order to fulfil the patient's request, the multidisciplinary team can be faced with significant challenges, often requiring extensive reconstructive surgery and complex implant oral rehabilitation. The aim of this paper is to highlight to the general dental practitioner some of the challenges faced in rehabilitating severe trauma patients with implant retained prosthesis. By understanding the challenges it is hoped that the general dental practitioner will be able to make an assessment of the clinical situation and seek appropriate specialist advice to ensure optimal results for their patients. In the longer term, the management of these patients requires a shared care approach between the general dental practitioner and relevant specialists.