Update and Making-Decisions in Dental Traumatology

Abstract

Dental traumatology is highlighted as an unexpected emergency event which can occur at any moment, age, sex, and gender. Crown fractures account for most traumatic injuries occurring in the permanent dentition. A complete radiographic examination is considered essential in order to assess the state of the pulp, the degree of root development, and the existence of any pathologies affecting the supporting tissues. These examinations also provide a useful tool for subsequent comparisons with those conducted after treatment, ensuring adequate clinical follow-up. Additionally, avulsion of permanent teeth has been highlighted as one of the most relevant dental injuries; therefore, the prognosis of this traumatic event has been directly related to the treatment decision-making process and the time passed since the accident. In addition, dental trauma is also one of the most frequent emergency situations seen in Pediatric Dentistry; moreover, the dental injury of the temporary teeth could also affect to the permanent teeth; hence, it is necessary to perform an exhaustive clinical and radio diagnostic exam to allow a correct diagnosis and a predictable treatment plan. Therefore, the creation of action protocols makes it possible to simplify and facilitate decision-making under stressful situations for patients and clinicians.