What are the biological considerations in the management of traumatic dental injuries?

This summary is based on the article published in Endodontic Topics: Biological considerations in the management of traumatic dental injuries (May 2014)

Leif K. Bakland and Jens Ove Andreasen

Courtesy of Wiley Publishing, you can access the full-text article here for the next 3 months. 

Context

• The use of established procedures for the management of patients with traumatic dental injuries should optimize both immediate and long-term outcomes.
• Dental injuries are not always easy to manage, even with available guidelines; the typical injury is often complicated by being a combination of several types of traumas (e.g. crown fracture combined with luxation injury).
• There are at least three factors that will influence the outcome of dental injuries: the severity of trauma, the treatment provided, and the patient’s healing response.
• The following are biological principles that may be considered for improving the outcome of dental trauma:
  • Stabilization of the initial injury,
  • Recognition of the role of bacteria,
  • Allowing for potential healing, and
  • Preservation of the alveolar ridge.

Purpose of the Article

The authors looked at how the principles of injury stabilization, bacterial complications, healing potentials, and alveolar ridge preservation can provide treatment planning guidance that may improve treatment outcomes.

Key Points

• Treatment plans based on biological principles are the basis for current guidelines in the management of traumatic dental injuries.
• Considering that most dental injuries primarily involve young patients who are still undergoing growth and development, the biological principles take into account the need for considering both short-term and long-term treatment plans.

Do you have any particular question on this topic? Do you have any comments or suggestions? Email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca

You are invited to comment on this post and provide further insights by posting in the comment box which you will find by clicking on “Post a reply” below. You are welcome to remain anonymous and your email address will not be posted.