[Biology of traumatic dental injuries]

As it is shown in Tables 1 and 2, there exist large gaps in the experimental basis for the treatment of dental trauma in both the primary and secondary dentitions. It can be seen that approximately 12% of presently accepted therapy are based on experimentally supported treatment principles. This has resulted in a myriad of varying and often conflicting treatment procedures. A systematic investigation of the effect of an acute dental trauma and various treatment procedures on the individual cellular systems would require tremendous scientific manpower. In contrast to this need, the extremely limited research activity in the area of dental trauma is cause for worry. Unless this research area is upgraded nationally and internationally, there is little hope that the random and empirical basis accepted in the treatment of traumatic dental injuries will ever be replaced by a scientifically based set of treatment principles which respect and enhance wound healing in the pulp and periodontium. Only by the fulfillment of this goal will the long-term prospects of traumatized dentitions be improved.