Dental emergencies are frequent in both pediatric and adult populations and often require immediate intervention to prevent pain, infection, and functional impairment.
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PDF 馃斀 Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition ... The lesions can compromise dental tissue (enamel, dentin, root), dental pulp, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligaments. Soft tissues such as lips and cheeks are also included.This article reviews the most common dental emergencies, including their definitions, clinical management, and evidence-based treatment guidelines.
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✅ Introduction
Dental emergencies are defined as urgent conditions involving teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues that cause acute pain, swelling, or trauma requiring immediate attention. They represent a significant portion of dental visits worldwide and have direct implications for both oral and systemic health (Andersson, 2013). Understanding their management is essential for ensuring patient comfort, preventing complications, and preserving dental structures.
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PDF 馃斀 Reimplantation of avulsed permanent teeth after three days: Clinical case in a pediatric patient ... We share an article that reports two clinical cases of patients who suffered an avulsion, and the teeth were reimplanted after 72 hours. Subsequent evaluation confirms the success of the procedure.1. Dental Trauma
➤ Definition: Physical injury to teeth and supporting structures caused by accidents or sports.
➤ Management:
° Avulsed permanent teeth should be replanted immediately or stored in milk/saline until dental care is available (Flores et al., 2012).
° Fractured teeth may require composite restoration, pulp therapy, or endodontic treatment depending on pulp involvement.
2. Acute Pulpitis and Irreversible Pulpitis
➤ Definition: Inflammation of the pulp leading to severe toothache, often due to caries or trauma.
➤ Management:
° Immediate pulpotomy or pulpectomy in children.
° Endodontic treatment or extraction in adults, combined with analgesics.
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Video 馃斀 First Aid for dental injuries in children ... The treatment to be performed will depend on the commitment of the injury. Sometimes trauma only involves the tooth enamel, but the dental pulp, bone, and ligaments may also be involved.3. Dental Abscess
➤ Definition: Localized pus accumulation due to bacterial infection of the pulp or periodontal tissues.
➤ Management:
° Drainage of abscess and elimination of infection source.
° Antibiotics when systemic involvement is present (Fouad, 2017).
4. Pericoronitis
➤ Definition: Inflammation and infection of the soft tissue around a partially erupted tooth, usually a mandibular third molar.
➤ Management:
° Irrigation and debridement.
° Analgesics and antibiotics in severe cases.
° Extraction of the involved tooth if recurrent.
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Video 馃斀 How to handle dental trauma? ... It is important to act immediately and take the injured person to a dental hospital or clinic. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes after the accident can make a difference.5. Orthodontic Emergencies
➤ Definition: Complications related to orthodontic appliances such as broken brackets, protruding wires, or soft tissue irritation.
➤ Management:
° Temporary relief with orthodontic wax.
° Cutting or repositioning wires as needed.
° Follow-up with orthodontist for definitive repair.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries
➤ Definition: Lacerations or contusions affecting oral mucosa, tongue, or gingiva.
➤ Management:
° Control bleeding with pressure.
° Suturing in deep lacerations.
° Antiseptic rinses and analgesics.
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PDF 馃斀 Reimplantation of avulsed dry permanent teeth after three days: A report of two cases ... The success of reimplantation depends on many factors among which are the time lapse before the tooth is reimplanted in the socket and the storage medium of the avulsed tooth.馃挰 Discussion
Dental emergencies vary widely in etiology, from traumatic injuries to infections. Timely management is crucial to reduce morbidity, prevent tooth loss, and avoid systemic complications. Evidence-based protocols, such as those from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), highlight the importance of immediate care and appropriate referral (Andersson, 2013). The role of antibiotics should be restricted to systemic involvement to avoid resistance (Fouad, 2017). Patient education on prevention, including mouthguard use and caries control, remains vital.
✍️ Conclusion
The most common dental emergencies include trauma, pulpitis, abscesses, pericoronitis, orthodontic issues, and soft tissue injuries. Their effective management depends on prompt diagnosis, evidence-based intervention, and preventive strategies. Dental professionals should stay updated on current guidelines to optimize outcomes and reduce complications.
馃摎 References
✔ Andersson, L. (2013). Epidemiology of traumatic dental injuries. Journal of Endodontics, 39(3 Suppl), S2–S5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2012.11.021
✔ Flores, M. T., Andersson, L., Andreasen, J. O., Bakland, L. K., Malmgren, B., Barnett, F., Bourguignon, C., DiAngelis, A., Hicks, M. L., Sigurdsson, A., Trope, M., & Kenny, D. J. (2012). Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries II: Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dental Traumatology, 28(2), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01125.x
✔ Fouad, A. F. (2017). Endodontic Microbiology and Treatment of Infections. In Hargreaves, K. M., & Berman, L. H. (Eds.), Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp (11th ed., pp. 599–638). St. Louis: Elsevier.
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