Update on the management of dentoalveolar trauma.
OBJECTIVE
Dentoalveolar injuries are the most common type of facial injury and are often associated with concomitant facial fractures. These injuries may initially be seen by surgeons who do not have formal dental training. This article reviews the assessment and management of dentoalveolar fractures.


RESULTS
Semi-flexible splinting of traumatized teeth for shorter periods of time than previously suggested is associated with better long-term outcomes. The use of dental implants to replace teeth lost to trauma is a predictable restorative option.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgeons need to be aware that dentoalveolar injuries may be a marker for other injuries. Prompt relocation and splinting of displaced teeth is associated with better outcomes.
Dentistry and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA. Stephen.macleod@dhha.org
Stephen P R
SP
MacLeod
Travis C
TC
Rudd
D000328:Adult; D061906:Advanced Trauma Life Support Care; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D015921:Dental Implants; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013165:Splints; D014084:Tooth Avulsion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014090:Tooth Replantation / Q000379:methods; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery
D015921:Dental Implants