Dental Traumatology

Dental traumatology is an area of dentistry that is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of trauma to the teeth, jaws and supporting structures. Trauma can occur from many causes, including falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents and even in young children from biting or pushing objects with the mouth. Common types of trauma include chipped or fractured teeth, crowns that have become loose, or avulsions (where a tooth is completely knocked out). The goal of dental traumatology is to treat and help the patient restore the original function and aesthetics to the affected teeth. Treatment of dental trauma involves a variety of methods, including splinting the affected teeth, applying bonding or composite resins, performing endodontic therapy or even surgically repositioning the tooth. Depending on the type and severity of the trauma, the patient may require sedation or general anesthesia to complete treatment. To ensure the best care for patients with dental trauma, dentists must be knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of the various types of trauma. Dentists should have a detailed understanding of the anatomy of the teeth, gums, and associated structures so that they can accurately assess and diagnose the type of trauma and formulate an individualized treatment plan for the patient. Any patient presenting to a dentist with dental trauma should receive a comprehensive evaluation of the affected area, including an x-ray to assess the severity of the trauma, and a detailed examination of the existing teeth, supporting structures, and surrounding tissue. Proper diagnosis and treatment can return the teeth to close to their original form and function, and help to prevent loss of the tooth or other more serious complications from occurring. Dental traumatology has become an essential part of dentistry in recent years due to the increasing number of traumatic dental injuries. The timely treatment of these traumatic dental injuries is critical to ensure that the patient has a positive outcome and can continue to function and look their best.