PACT Spry Menu Pages
Dental Trauma, continued
1. Concussion
 
Injury to supporting structures of the tooth, without loosening or displacement. Tooth is tender to percussion.
 
Stick to a soft diet for 2 weeks.
 
Monitor for changes in tooth color.
 
Refer to dentist for nonurgent evaluation.
 
Permanent teeth should be followed, but the risk of complication
is low.

2. Subluxation
 
Injury to supporting structures of the tooth with loosening but no displacement.
 
Tooth is tender to percussion, with bleeding at gingival margin.
 
Stick to a soft diet for 2 weeks.
 
Requires dental follow-up, may splint permanent teeth.
 
Monitor for changes in tooth color that may indicate pulp necrosis.

3. Lateral Luxation
 
Injury to the tooth and its supporting structures, resulting in tooth displacement. Injured tooth is at risk for pulpal necrosis and root resorption.
 
Requires prompt referral to a dentist for repositioning of the injured tooth/teeth. A splint may be required to hold the injured tooth/teeth in place.
 
Even primary teeth should be examined by a dentist, because the underlying permanent tooth may be injured.

 
 
All permanent tooth injuries should be examined by a dentist, with the timeframe dictated by the type of injury.
 
Repositioning and splinting may be required for permanent tooth injuries.
 
90% of intruded primary teeth re-erupt within 6 months.
View the Chapter 10 Photo Gallery.